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

The latex pillow comes recommended by chiropractors and orthopedists for its head and neck support, which came in handy for Gore and her longtime back issues. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2025

There should also be a fishbowl of condoms and latex safe lubricants, but that’s for later in the season. —Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2025

Foam mats should feature nontoxic foam that doesn’t contain BPA, PVC, phthalates, latex or lead. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025

The Kylie Cosmetics founder looked stunning in a bubblegum pink latex set — triangle bra and body-hugging skirt — by Dead Lotus Couture. —Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 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