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

This amount of leverage is good for acrylic latex sealants as well as heavier adhesives like asphalt and cement. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2024

There were latex bodysuits; an inexplicable number of Yorkshire terriers; a performance by (the now-canceled) James Brown; and the debut of the Botticelli-esque Venus gown worn by Cardi B to the 2019 Grammys. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2024

Den Nijs’ work predicted that the chance of finding one arm in a hexagonal grid is proportional to $latex 1/n^{5/48}$, where n is the number of tiles from the center to the edge, or the radius of the grid. —Quanta Magazine, 7 Feb. 2024

Filled with natural latex and organic cotton and surrounded by a cotton sateen cover, this pillow feels extremely plush and cozy to the touch. —Samantha Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2024

She star shared her superhero look on Instagram and a clip on Twitter, showcasing a blue latex bodysuit with prosthetic bumps. —Maria Yagoda, Peoplemag, 28 Oct. 2023

On Saturday, family members of the couple met with authorities in St. Vincent, where they were seen boarding the vessel — which was being guarded by officials, one of whom was wearing latex gloves. —Colleen Wixon, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024

On the red carpet, Ciara, who is nominated for her role in The Color Purple, popped in a latex look that brought all the drama. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024

The brand is offering up to $600 off its latex hybrid and gel memory foam options. —Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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