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latent heat
noun
: heat given off or absorbed in a process (such as fusion or vaporization) other than a change of temperature
Examples of latent heat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The sinking air can act as a cap or heat dome, trapping the latent heat already absorbed by the landscape.
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Umair Irfan, Vox, 5 June 2024
The principle at work here takes advantage of what’s called the latent heat of vaporization.
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IEEE Spectrum, 7 Oct. 2023
That moisture condenses into clouds and thunderstorms and releases its latent heat, warming the core of the storm.
—
Matt Simon, WIRED, 29 Aug. 2023
The vapor carries with it a form of energy called latent heat.
—
Jennifer A. Francis, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
circa 1757, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near latent heat
Cite this Entry
“Latent heat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latent%20heat. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Medical Definition
latent heat
noun
: heat given off or absorbed in a process (as fusion or vaporization) other than a change of temperature
More from Merriam-Webster on latent heat
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about latent heat
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