WordValelatency
the delay before data begins to transfer
In more detail
1. (noun) the time between when something is triggered or requested and when a response or result is produced
2. (noun) a condition or state of being hidden, inactive, or not yet apparent
Examples
- 1. High latency in the internet connection makes video calls lag and freeze.
- 2. The virus remained in latency for years before causing any symptoms.
How to use latency
Latency is used in technical contexts (computing, networking) to describe the measurable delay in system response, and in medical or scientific contexts to describe a phase when something exists but is not yet visible or active. It is more formal and precise than the everyday word 'delay' and often implies an inherent or expected lag rather than an unexpected interruption.
Common phrases
- network latency
- low latency
- high latency
- latency period
- reduce latency
- latency issues
Synonyms
delay · lag · response time · hidden state · dormancy
Opposites
immediacy · activation · manifestation
Word family
latent · latently
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse latency with latent; latent is an adjective meaning 'present but not yet apparent', while latency is the noun describing the period or state itself.
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