latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlā-tə-ˌsēz  ˈla-  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

Our favorite latex mattress is the Birch Luxe, a hybrid bed constructed with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Unlike traditional memory foam pillows that retain body heat, the Cloud Pillow contains a layer of cooling gel to regulate temperature and buoyant latex foam for added bounce. —Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024

Decked in a black latex two-piece set, the BLACKPINK superstar hopped off the motorcycle, before she was joined by her dancers. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2024

Latex mattresses are made with layers of either synthetic or natural latex foam. —Claudia Fisher, SELF, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

latex

noun

la·​tex ˈlā-ˌteks 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz 

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 

plural latices ˈlāt-ə-ˌsēz  ˈlat-  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