Latency
WordNet

noun


(1)   The state of being not yet evident or active
(2)   The time that elapses between a stimulus and the response to it
(3)   (computer science) the time it takes for a specific block of data on a data track to rotate around to the read/write head
WiktionaryText

Etymology


From latet "to lie hidden", from Ancient Greek λανθάνω (lanthano) "to escape notice, to be unknown, to be unseen, to be unnoticed", from λήθη (lethe) "forgetting, forgetfulness".

Adjective


latent
  1. Existing or present but concealed or inactive.
    • 2008 July 2, Joe Palca, “Scientists Make Herpes Breakthrough”, abstract, All Things Considered, National Public Radio
      Those infected with a herpes virus are infected for life. That's because the virus goes "latent." Sometimes, it awakes from its slumber, producing painful illnesses.
 
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