Definition of "latent" in English

adjective

1. Existing or present but concealed or inactive.

2. (pathology, of a virus) Remaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.

   • 2008 July 2, Joe Palca, “Scientists Make Herpes Breakthrough”, abstract, All Things Considered, National Public Radio Those infected with a herpes virus are infected for life. That’s because the virus goes "latent." Sometimes, it awakes from its slumber, producing painful illnesses.

3. (biology) Lying dormant or hidden until circumstances are suitable for development or manifestation.

noun

1. (forensics) The residue left by a person's finger that can be made visible by a process such as powder dusting; a latent fingerprint.

2. (statistics) An underlying cause that can be inferred from statistical correlations; factor.

3. Anything that is latent.