latex

[ ley-teks ]

noun

, plural lat·i·ces [lat, -, uh, -seez], la·tex·es.

1. a milky liquid in certain plants, as milkweeds, euphorbias, poppies, or the plants yielding India rubber, that coagulates on exposure to air.
2. Chemistry. any emulsion in water of finely divided particles of synthetic rubber or plastic.

latex

/ ˈleɪtɛks /

noun

1. a whitish milky fluid containing protein, starch, alkaloids, etc, that is produced by many plants. Latex from the rubber tree is used in the manufacture of rubber
2. a suspension of synthetic rubber or plastic in water, used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber products, etc

latex

/ lā′tĕks′ /

1. The colorless or milky sap of certain trees and plants, such as the milkweed and the rubber tree, that hardens when exposed to the air. Latex usually contains gum resins, waxes, and oils, and sometimes toxic substances.
2. A manufactured emulsion of synthetic rubber or plastic droplets in water that resembles the latex of plants. It is used in paints, adhesives, and synthetic rubber products.

Word History and Origins

Origin of latex¹

1655–65; < New Latin, special use of Latin latex water, juice, liquid

Word History and Origins

Origin of latex¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin: liquid, fluid

Example Sentences

Firefighter/paramedic Luke Winfield put on a pair of white latex gloves and prepared a nalaxone IV, tied a blue tourniquet around the man’s upper arm and plunged the life-saving drug into the crease of his elbow.

From Los Angeles Times

Evoke rugged cowgirl with the large brushed leather tote, or latex queen with the shiny crinkled leather minibag.

From Los Angeles Times

Well actually, my very first job with him: It’s an image of my hand wearing a latex glove, holding an enormous lobster claw, and my other hand has a little antique hammer smacking it against the claw to break it.

From Salon

Bui, who appeared to be wearing blue latex gloves and carrying a black bag or folder in his left hand, walked over to the passenger side door and opened it, homicide investigators say.

From Los Angeles Times

Growing up in New York, Marino started honing his skills as a preteen by practicing on his friends with latex, foam and various chemicals, destroying his bedroom rug in the process, to the chagrin of his parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acrylic
• color
• cosmetic
• dye
• enamel
• makeup
• oil
• pigment
• stain
• varnish
• wax