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   latent

   /ˈleɪt(ə)nt/

   adjective

   • 1. (of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed: "they have a huge reserve of latent talent"
   • ▪ lying dormant or hidden until circumstances are suitable for development or manifestation: "axillary buds or eyes in the leaf axils are latent growth buds"
   • ▪ (of a disease) not yet manifesting the usual symptoms: "diabetes may be latent for some years before diagnosis"
   • ▪ (of a microorganism, especially a virus) present in the body without causing disease, but capable of doing so at a later stage, or when transmitted to another body.

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Latin latent- ‘being hidden’, from the verb latere.

   Derivatives

   • 1. latently adverb

   Scrabble Points: 6

   • L

     1

   • A

     1

   • T

     1

   • E

     1

   • N

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   • T

     1

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