Definition of latent

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< late-night

latent heat >

la·tent    (ltnt) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

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.

NOUN:

A fingerprint that is not apparent to the eye but can be made sufficiently visible, as by dusting or fuming, for use in identification.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin latns , latent- present participle of latre, to lie hidden

OTHER FORMS:
latent·ly (Adverb)

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 sometimesbut not alwayssuggests temporary inactivity: "For a time, he [the whale] lay quiescent" (Herman Melville).

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