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
- 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.
- 2008 July 2, Joe Palca, “Scientists Make Herpes Breakthrough”, abstract, All Things Considered, National Public Radio