latent period

noun

1. Also Pathology. the interval between exposure to a carcinogen, toxin, or disease-causing organism and development of a consequent disease.
2. Physiology. the interval between stimulus and reaction.

latent period

noun

1. the incubation period of an infectious disease, before symptoms appear
2. another name for latent time

latent period

1. The interval between exposure to an infectious organism or a carcinogen and the appearance of symptoms or signs of disease.
2. The period elapsing between the application of a stimulus and the expected response, such as the contraction of a muscle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of latent period¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The latent period is shortened with the intensity of the stimulus.

From Project Gutenberg

The latent period is reduced when the plant is irrigated with warm water.

From Project Gutenberg

In any case we shall not know for eighteen months, for that is usually the latent period of sleeping sickness in man.

From Project Gutenberg

The latent period and the after-effect of stimulus may thus be obtained with the highest accuracy.

From Project Gutenberg

It will be seen that this induced an almost immediate acceleration of the rate, the latent period being less than five seconds.

From Project Gutenberg