(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 diagnosisthe 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.