latent
1. la.tent \'la-t-*nt\ \-*n-tle-\ aj [L latent-, latens, fr. prp. of
late-re to lie hidden; aki]n to OHG luog den, Gk lanthanein to escape
notice : present but not visible or active {~ fingerprint ~ infect
ion}EYANT mean not now showing its presence or existence. LATENT applies to
a power or quality that has not yet come into sight or into action but may
at any time; DORMANT suggests the inactivity of something (as a feeling, a
power) as though sleeping; QUIESCENT suggests a usu. temporary cessation of
activity; POTENTIAL applies to what does not yet have being or effect but
is likely soon to have; ABEYANT applies to what is for the time being held
off or suppressed - la.tent.ly av SYN syn LATENT, DORMANT, QUIESCENT,
POTENTIAL, AB
2. latent n : a latent fingerprint