rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylatentHidden or undeveloped
adjective

latent

LAY-tunt/ˈleɪtnt/

Present but not yet apparent or active.

The undeveloped embryo contains latent growth potential inside the dormant seed.

A dormant seed shown with a small cutaway revealing its intact, undeveloped plant embryo enclosed inside the seed coat.
Etymology
latentLatinlying hidden

Latin latens means “lying hidden”: something can exist without being visible or apparent. English extended this idea from concealment to dormancy or undeveloped potential, initially in medicine.

In context

Marvelous Anime2:11
the person may or may not have committed any crimes but to make matters simpler for a functional Society its determination of latent criminals helps prevent crime
The Sibyl System - A Hive Mind of Crime Predictors That Made Japan the Only Peaceful Country

More examples

  • The virus can remain latent for years.
  • Stress sometimes exposes latent tensions within a family.
  • The plan has latent risks that no one recognizes yet.

Forms

latent

latency noun — The state of being present but inactive.

Similar words

dormant
Emphasizes inactivity, often with the possibility of becoming active.
hidden
Emphasizes being concealed from view, not necessarily being inactive.
undeveloped
Emphasizes not yet being fully formed, rather than merely concealed.