potentially existing but not presently evident or realized; "a latent fingerprint"; "latent talent
Latin latens; latere, to lie hid 1 Not observable; not apparent: as, latent defrects in an article of merchandise or machinery, or in an animal See Caveat, Emptor; Negligence 2 Applying equally to two or more different things; opposed to patent: as, a latent ambiguity
Not visible or apparent; hidden; concealed; secret; dormant; as, latent springs of action
{s} concealed, hidden; present but not visibly active or developed; (Pathology) dormant, existing in an inactive state (of a disease, etc.)
not presently active; "latent infection"; "latent diabetes" potentially existing but not presently evident or realized; "a latent fingerprint"; "latent talent
present but not seen; a latent viral infection is one in which no virus can be found in the blood cells but in which those virus-infected cells can produce virus under certain circumstances
potentially existing but not presently evident or realized; "a latent fingerprint"; "latent talent"
Latent is used to describe something which is hidden and not obvious at the moment, but which may develop further in the future. Advertisements attempt to project a latent meaning behind an overt message. overt. something that is latent is present but hidden, and may develop or become more noticeable in the future dormant latent in (present participle of latere )