latent heat

noun

: heat given off or absorbed in a process (such as fusion or vaporization) other than a change of temperature

Examples of latent heat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The freezing is what releases latent heat, not the ice. Chris Wright, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 The sinking air can act as a cap or heat dome, trapping the latent heat already absorbed by the landscape. Umair Irfan, Vox, 5 June 2024 The principle at work here takes advantage of what’s called the latent heat of vaporization. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Oct. 2023 That moisture condenses into clouds and thunderstorms and releases its latent heat, warming the core of the storm. Matt Simon, WIRED, 29 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for latent heat

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of latent heat was circa 1757

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Cite this Entry

“Latent heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latent%20heat. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

latent heat

noun
: heat given off or absorbed in a process (as fusion or vaporization) other than a change of temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on latent heat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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