la·tent (l t nt)adj. 1. Present or potential but not evident or active: latent talent. 2. Pathology In a dormant or hidden stage: a latent infection. 3. Biology Undeveloped but capable of normal growth under the proper conditions: a latent bud. 4. Psychology Present and accessible in the unconscious mind but not consciously expressed. n. A fingerprint that is not apparent to the eye but can be made sufficiently visible, as by dusting or fuming, for use in identification. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin lat  ns, latent-, present participle of latre, to lie hidden.]la tent·ly adv.Synonyms: latent, dormant, quiescent These adjectives mean present or in existence but not active or manifest. What is latent is present but not evident: latent ability. Dormant evokes the idea of sleep: a dormant volcano. Quiescent sometimes  but not alwayssuggests temporary inactivity: "For a time, he [the whale] lay quiescent" (Herman Melville). |
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