Latent/ˈleɪtnt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Initially Hidden The term 'latent' implies something exists but has not yet been exposed. She had a latent desire to travel the world that she never acknowledged. Pro Tip 2/3Expression Delay 'Latent' can refer to abilities or feelings developing over time. His latent anger surfaced years after the incident. Pro Tip 3/3Potential to Surface 'Latent' items may become apparent under the right conditions. The crisis revealed the latent divisions within the community.