latente

latent

adjective lah-TEN-teh Rare

Origin: From Latin latens (lying hidden).

Also means

dormant

Usage Note

Latente describes something present but not yet active or visible—a conflicto latente (latent conflict), un virus latente (a dormant virus). It is invariable for gender. In medicine it describes an infection that exists without producing symptoms.

Examples

"La tensión latente estalló en protestas."

Natural Translation

The latent tension erupted into protests.

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