I. ˈlā-t ə nt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin latent-, latens, from present participle of latēre to lie hidden; akin to Greek lanthanein to escape notice
Date: 15th century
: present and capable of becoming though not now visible, obvious, active, or symptomatic
a latent infection
• la·tent·ly adverb
Synonyms:
latent , dormant , quiescent , potential mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop
a latent desire for success
dormant suggests the inactivity of something (as a feeling or power) as though sleeping
their passion had lain dormant
quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity
the disease was quiescent
potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have
a potential disaster
II. noun
Date: 1923
: a fingerprint (as at the scene of a crime) that is scarcely visible but can be developed for study — called also latent fingerprint, latent print