latent heat

noun

, Physics.

1. heat absorbed or radiated during a change of phase at constant temperature and pressure.

latent heat

noun

1. no longer in technical usage the heat evolved or absorbed by unit mass ( specific latent heat ) or unit amount of substance ( molar latent heat ) when it changes phase without change of temperature

latent heat

/ lāt′nt /

1. The quantity of heat absorbed or released by a substance undergoing a change of state, such as ice changing to liquid water or liquid water changing to ice, at constant temperature and pressure. The latent heat absorbed by air when water vapor condenses is ultimately the source of the power of thunderstorms and hurricanes.
2. See also heat capacity

latent heat

1. The heat released or absorbed when matter undergoes a change of phase ( see phases of matter ). If the heat is given off during the change from a liquid to a solid , it is called heat of fusion . If it is given off during the change from a gas to a liquid, it is called heat of vaporization .

Word History and Origins

Origin of latent heat¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

That can release an enormous amount of latent heat into the atmosphere, and through that action, it can influence storm tracks and whether they hit California.

From Los Angeles Times

Recent studies agree with physical common sense: rapid intensification becomes increasingly likely as oceans warm, evaporating more water and delivering more latent heat to the atmosphere.

From Scientific American

Was Watt familiar with the concept of latent heat when he devised his new engine, and did the new theory inform his new technology?

From Literature

Both spoke about the possibility of repurposing some wells to tap into geothermal energy, the latent heat beneath the earth's surface, to generate electricity.

From Salon

Moreover, when that moisture condenses into clouds, it releases latent heat, further warming the air.

From Scientific American