latency period

noun

Examples of latency period 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 latency period of toxic exposure effects, as seen with Agent Orange in Vietnam, spans generations. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024 Yet the long latency period of asbestos diseases has meant people have continued getting sick with lung problems. Amy Beth Hanson, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024 Many people died as a result of the recent Covid19 epidemic, which highlighted the weaknesses and latency periods involved in controlling an unidentified worldwide viral outbreak. Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Because of the long latency period for those diseases, symptoms can take decades to develop. Matthew Brown and Amy Beth Hanson, BostonGlobe.com, 29 June 2023 The latency period for lung cancer from radiation is longer than five years and 74 mSv spread over four years is not enough dose to cause any health effects, being lower than background radiation in many many places on Earth. James Conca, Forbes, 12 Nov. 2021 The time between exposure and diagnosis, known as the latency period, is different for each chemical and depends on how much of the chemical you were exposed to. Maya Miller, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2021 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a sometimes-fatal lymph cancer, typically has a latency period of 10 to 15 years, Chhabria said, so four years of medical monitoring would have limited value for most potential victims. Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 May 2021 Bromage also noted that the impact of more people sharing cool, recirculated air due to high temperatures from one to two weeks ago would only start emerging in the COVID-19 data now as the virus has a five- to 10-day latency period. David Hogberg, Washington Examiner, 17 June 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of latency period was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near latency period

Cite this Entry

“Latency period.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latency%20period. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on latency period

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!