latent

 
Pronunciation: /ˈleɪt(ə)nt/

adjective

  • (of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed: they have a huge reserve of latent talent
  • Biology 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 the latent stage of syphilis
  • Physiology (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.

Derivatives

latency

noun

latently

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin latent- 'being hidden', from the verb latere