2006-10-20 13:24:36 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
It basically means present but not visible.
This term latent, along with the term dormant, it typically used to describe herpes and HPV (human papillomavirus).
A person can have either one of these viruses and appear normal on the surface (showing no symptoms) but they STILL have the virus and are able to spread it to others.
2006-10-21 05:46:11 · answer #1 · answered by Alli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a dictionary. It means Sponsored LinksFree Reference. Look up Latent Now
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< late-night latent heat >
la·tent (ltnt) KEY
ADJECTIVE:
Present or potential but not evident or active: latent talent.
Pathology In a dormant or hidden stage: a latent infection.
Biology Undeveloped but capable of normal growth under the proper conditions: a latent bud.
Psychology Present and accessible in the unconscious mind but not consciously expressed.
NOUN:
A fingerprint that is not apparent to the eye but can be made sufficiently visible, as by dusting or fuming, for use in identification.
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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin latns , latent- present participle of latre, to lie hidden
OTHER FORMS:
latent·ly (Adverb)
SYNONYMS:
latent , dormant , quiescent
These adjectives mean present or in existence but not active or manifest. What is latent is present but not evident: latent ability. Dormant evokes the idea of sleep: a dormant volcano. Quiescent sometimesbut not alwayssuggests temporary inactivity: "For a time, he [the whale] lay quiescent" (Herman Melville).
2006-10-20 13:28:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing as potential: latent ability.
2. Pathology (of an infectious agent or disease) remaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.
Synonyms: 1. dormant, quiescent, veiled, Latent, potential refer to powers or possibilities existing but hidden or not yet actualized. Latent emphasizes the hidden character or the dormancy of what is named: latent qualities, defects, diseases. That which is potential exists in an as yet undeveloped state, but is thought of as capable of coming into full being or activity at some future time: potential genius, tragedy. Potential may be applied also to tangibles: High-tension wires are a potential source of danger.
2006-10-20 13:27:52 · answer #3 · answered by Bill P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when something is in a state of rest or something is present but in the background and not currently active. in terms of STDs, you can have a latent infection where the disease is there but not really causing any harm until it starts replicating and damaging cells. HIV and Herpes can be latent. Syphillis has latent phases too
2006-10-20 13:26:23 · answer #4 · answered by Alex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is dormant now, but could become active in the future, as is the case with some viruses.
2006-10-20 13:28:06 · answer #5 · answered by Latrice T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea! Sorry......
Why is this in STD's?
LOL
I don't know anything about STD's for I have never had one.
2006-10-20 13:27:33 · answer #6 · answered by Stacy M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
present but invisible. try the dictionary next time.
2006-10-20 13:35:10 · answer #7 · answered by reefer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Means to be delayed, hidden and/or repressed.
2006-10-20 13:28:51 · answer #8 · answered by Stephen F 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
concealed or dormant
2006-10-20 13:27:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hidden?
2006-10-20 13:26:01 · answer #10 · answered by kourtina1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋