n 1  :  the period between exposure to a disease-causing agent or process and the appearance of symptoms <the latent period between exposure to a tumorigenic dose of radioactivity and the appearance of tumors>   2  :  LATENCY 3 <smooth muscle has a longer latent period than striated muscle>  .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.