latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlā-tə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio) ˈla- How to pronounce latex (audio) 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Saatva's Zenhaven is made of organic latex protected by an organic wool liner and an organic cotton cover. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024 Loosely cover various sizes of either mylar or latex balloons (fill them with helium to float on their own) with sheets of sheer white cloth. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024 Related Articles On Friday, Nader gave the little black dress an edgy twist by choosing a latex version in while in New York. Hannah Malach, WWD, 21 Oct. 2024 All that latex prevents Farrell from accessing his innate charisma. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for latex 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of latex was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near latex

Cite this Entry

“Latex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latex. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

latex

noun
la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio)
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 How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio) ˈlat- How to pronounce latex (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on latex

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