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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.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 5 June 2024
The principle at work here takes advantage of what’s called the latent heat of vaporization.
—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
Increased moisture content in the atmosphere also enhances latent heat in storm systems, increasing their intensity.
—Shuang-Ye Wu, The Conversation, 20 Dec. 2022
Recent studies agree with physical common sense: rapid intensification becomes increasingly likely as oceans warm, evaporating more water and delivering more latent heat to the atmosphere.
—Jennifer A. Francis, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2021
This means there is more latent heat release from the ocean, more water evaporation.
—Max Golembo, ABC News, 11 Jan. 2023
In addition, storm systems are fueled by latent heat – the large amount of energy released when water vapor condenses to liquid water.
—Shuang-Ye Wu, The Conversation, 20 Dec. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'latent heat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 15 Jul. 2024.
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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