latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlā-tə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio) ˈla- How to pronounce latex (audio) or latexes
1
: a milky usually white fluid that is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families) and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata
2
: a water emulsion of a synthetic rubber or plastic obtained by polymerization and used especially in coatings (such as paint) and adhesives

Examples of latex 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.
Flat Can Recycling will recycle household items for a fee, including latex paint cans, household batteries, aerosol products, smoke detectors and car seats, the release said. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 Try storing your all-purpose cleaner alongside a microfiber cloth, glass cleaner, a mildly abrasive cleaner, and a pair of latex gloves in your cleaning caddy. — Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025 In surveillance footage, Ross was allegedly captured squeezing a liquid substance from a small tube with a white nozzle into a Coke can while wearing latex gloves. — Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The collection stays true to the London brand’s signature aesthetic with high-shine, body-skimming latex taking center stage. — Angela Lei, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for latex

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of latex was in 1832

Rhymes for latex

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Browse Nearby Words

latewood
latex
latex foam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Latex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latex. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

latex

noun
la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio)
ˈlat-
 or latexes
1
: a milky juice produced by the cells of various plants (as milkweeds, poppies, and the rubber tree)
2
: a mixture of water and fine particles of rubber or plastic used especially in paints and adhesives

Medical Definition

latex

noun
la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks How to pronounce latex (audio)
plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce latex (audio) ˈlat- How to pronounce latex (audio) or latexes
: a milky usually white fluid that is usually made up of various gum resins, fats, or waxes and often a complex mixture of other substances frequently including poisonous compounds, is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families), and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata

More from Merriam-Webster on latex

Nglish: Translation of latex for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about latex

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