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

Pesticides and herbicides come under scrutiny In one of Ladera’s parks this month Brody’s father watched as volunteer researchers fanned out across the grass with shovels and latex gloves. — Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

On the way, Watson casually mentioned her training in field delivery, so Semple handed her a pair of latex gloves just in case. — Charles Keeshan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Each Stasher bag is free from BPA, BPS, lead, latex, and phthalates, and can store sandwiches, snacks, sauces, marinades, and more while helping cut down on waste. — Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2026

When the extraction took place, last September, ninety people wearing blue latex gloves lined up behind the tapestry. — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

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