latent

/'leitənt/

Thân thiện

A latent fingerprint was discovered on the glass.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Existing but not yet developed, manifest, or active: Describes something that is present or exists but is not currently visible, expressed, or in operation. It often refers to qualities, conditions, or abilities that are hidden or dormant.
   • (Specifically in pathology) Present but not active or causing symptoms: Describes an infection or disease that is present in the body but is not currently producing signs or symptoms.

Usage

• The word "latent" is used to describe something with potential that is not currently realized or observable. It often implies that the thing will or could become active or evident in the future under the right conditions.
• It is commonly used in scientific, medical, psychological, and general contexts.

Examples

• General Use:
  • The test revealed his latent talent for music. (His musical ability existed but was not previously evident.)
  • There is a latent demand for affordable housing in the city. (The demand exists but is not yet fully expressed or acted upon.)
• Medical/Scientific Use:
  • After the initial infection, the virus can remain latent in the body for years. (The virus is present but inactive and not causing illness.)
  • The detective used a special powder to reveal the latent fingerprints on the glass. (The fingerprints were present but not visible to the naked eye.)

Advanced Usage

• "Latent content": In psychoanalysis, the hidden, symbolic meaning of dreams or thoughts, as opposed to the "manifest content" which is the surface story.
  • The therapist helped him analyze the latent content of his recurring dream.
• "Latent variable": In statistics, a variable that is not directly observed but is inferred from other variables that are observed.
  • Socioeconomic status is often treated as a latent variable in this model.

Variants and Related Words

• Latency (noun): The state of being latent; a period of dormancy or inactivity.
  • The disease has a long latency period.
• Latently (adverb): In a latent manner.
  • The conflict simmered latently beneath the surface.

Synonyms

• Dormant: Inactive, as if asleep.
• Quiescent: In a state of inactivity or dormancy.
• Unexpressed: Not conveyed or made known.
• Potential: Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.

Antonyms

• Active: In operation; functioning.
• Manifest: Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.
• Patent: Obvious; plain to see.
• Overt: Done or shown openly.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Latent heat": (Physics) The heat required to change the state of a substance (e.g., from solid to liquid) without changing its temperature.
  • The latent heat of fusion for ice is 334 joules per gram.
• "Latent image": (Photography) An invisible image on exposed photographic film that becomes visible after chemical development.
  • The film contains the latent image of the scene.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (pathology) not presently active
   • latent infection
   • latent diabetes
2. potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
   • a latent fingerprint
   • latent talent