latex

latex — noun

1. The milky sap that oozes from rubber trees and certain other plants, or a factor

1.nounB2
Definition

The milky sap that oozes from rubber trees and certain other plants, or a factory-made substance with the same uses, found in paint, gloves, balloons, and medical supplies.

Example

The rubber farmer collected the dripping latex from cuts in the tree bark before sunrise.

natural source: collected from rubber tree bark

Tara always wears latex gloves when she dyes her hair to protect her skin.

common product: latex gloves

Common collocations
  • latex paint
  • latex gloves
  • latex allergy
  • natural latex
  • synthetic latex
  • latex condom
  • latex balloon
Synonyms
  • rubber

    refers to the processed, solid material made from latex; 'latex' is the raw liquid before processing

  • natural rubber

    specifically the plant-based form, not the synthetic version

Grammar Patterns

latex + noun (as modifier)

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Latex, rubber, silicone, and nitrile are all flexible materials but come from different sources and have different strengths. Latex is a natural liquid from rubber trees that is processed into solid rubber. 'Rubber' is the broader term for the final elastic material, whether natural or synthetic. Silicone is a man-made polymer that does not cause allergic reactions like latex can, and it withstands higher temperatures. Nitrile is another synthetic alternative to latex, commonly used in medical gloves because it resists chemicals and does not trigger latex allergies. For example, a doctor with a latex allergy would wear nitrile gloves, while a baker would use silicone baking mats that can go in the oven.

rubber ↗silicone ↗nitrileplastic ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • natural latex
  • synthetic latex
  • latex-based paint
  • powder-free latex gloves

Prepositions

  • made from latex
  • made of latex

Etymology

LatinModern LatinEnglish

Latex entered English in the 1660s from modern Latin, borrowed directly from classical Latin 'latex' meaning 'liquid, fluid' or 'a watery fluid in the body'. The scientific use for plant secretions developed in the 17th century.