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

The top plate of the K3 is made of aluminum and underneath are three layers of latex and IPXE acoustic foams as well as PET film. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

The shredded natural latex core is also hypoallergenic (meaning resistant to dust mites and mildew buildup) if that’s something that matters to you. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2025

Side sleepers tend to do best with taller toppers with a lot of give, such as those made of latex or gel. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

Similarly, allergic contact dermatitis has a wide range of potential triggers, such as certain metals found in jewelry, latex and plants (such as daffodils and tulips), per the NHS. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin latic-, latex, from Latin, fluid

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for latex

• annex
• annexe
• apex
• aztecs
• carex
• codecs
• codex
• convex
• cusecs
• duplex
• execs
• fedex

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