n, pl  -cies  1  :  the quality or state of being latent : esp  :  the state or period of living or developing in a host without producing symptoms - used of an infective agent or disease <the infamous of the virus causing herpes simplex>   2  :  LATENCY PERIOD 1  3  :  the interval between stimulation and response - called also latent period  .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.