latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlā-tə-ˌsēz  ˈla-  or latexes

1

: a milky usually white fluid that is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families) and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata

2

: a water emulsion of a synthetic rubber or plastic obtained by polymerization and used especially in coatings (such as paint) and adhesives

Examples of latex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As such, expect slip-in shoes, silk satin, leather latex, and thoughtful details in the form the brand's signature roses and hand embroidery, and all this is wrapped up in a minimal, '90s aesthetic. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

The mural will be created using latex and aerosol paints on concrete and will be roughly 50 feet in length, reaching up to 20 feet in height on the main wall and 15 feet on each side of the creek slopes. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025

For 30% to 50% of people with a latex allergy, there may be cross-reactivity, said Del Coro. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 9 Sep. 2025

As the show concluded (after a few changes in between), the star wore this structural, iridescent latex bodysuit and winged jacket by Vex, getting closer to the nakedness of her true self. —EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for latex

• annex
• annexe
• apex
• aztecs
• carex
• codecs
• codex
• convex
• cusecs
• duplex
• execs
• fedex

Kids Definition

latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz 

ˈlat-

or latexes

1

: a milky juice produced by the cells of various plants (as milkweeds, poppies, and the rubber tree)

2

: a mixture of water and fine particles of rubber or plastic used especially in paints and adhesives

Medical Definition

latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz  ˈlat-  or latexes

: a milky usually white fluid that is usually made up of various gum resins, fats, or waxes and often a complex mixture of other substances frequently including poisonous compounds, is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families), and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata