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.
There was ample physical evidence for the case against her, including DNA found on a latex glove that was in the same trash bag as Loofe’s remains. — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 Bakkila skipped the brand’s optional white glove delivery, and her king-size mattress arrived in two heavy boxes with the latex layers packaged separately inside a zippered cover for assembly at home. — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 The team practiced over four different camera tests, scaling up the stomach sets (made of silicone, latex, and also a fair bit of upholstery) each time and adding more variability in how each could be used. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026 Ganzorigt shaped Bieber's nails into her preferred medium-length almond, then applied a few coats of the onyx hue for tons of depth and reflective, almost latex-like shine. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about latex

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