Latex

/ˈleɪtɛks/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A milky fluid produced by certain plants that consists of a mixture of water, rubber, and other substances; often used to make rubber and various adhesives.
The rubber trees produce latex, which is harvested for the manufacture of products like gloves and tires.
A synthetic rubber made from latex that is used in various applications, particularly in the textile and medical industries.
The surgical gloves are made from medical-grade latex to ensure sterility and safety.
A type of typesetting system used for producing high-quality documents, especially those containing mathematical or scientific expressions.
The researcher used LaTeX to format his thesis, ensuring that all equations were displayed properly.

Etymology

From Latin 'latex', meaning 'liquid' or 'fluid'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

latex gloves
Protective gloves made from latex, used in medical and cleaning contexts.
latex paint
A water-based paint that uses latex as a binder.
latex allergy
An allergic reaction to proteins found in natural rubber latex.

Related Words

rubber
A material made from the sap of rubber trees or synthesized from petroleum.
polymer
A large molecule composed of repeating structural units known as monomers.

Slang Meanings

Used to describe anything related to the fetish community, particularly clothing.
She showed up in a tight latex dress at the event.
A term for an item or clothing made of latex material.
His new latex pants turned a lot of heads at the club.