Legal Definitions - latent

Term: LATENT
Definition:latent (lay-tənt), adj. Concealed; dormant a latent defect. Cf. PATENT.
Latent means something that is hidden or not yet visible. It is something that is present but not active or not yet developed. For example, a latent defect in a product means that there is a problem with the product, but it is not yet visible or causing any harm. Another example could be a latent talent, which means that someone has a skill or ability that they have not yet discovered or developed. Examples:
- The virus can remain latent in the body for years before showing any symptoms.
- She had a latent talent for painting, but she never pursued it until later in life.
In the first example, the virus is present in the body but not causing any harm or showing any symptoms. It is hidden or dormant. In the second example, the person has a talent for painting, but it is not yet visible or developed. It is concealed or latent.