latency

The time between starting an action and its result, especially in a computer system.

• High latency makes online games frustrating.
• The new server reduced latency.
• We measured the latency between sending and receiving data.

Similar words: delay, lag

Common phrases: network latency, low latency, reduce latency

A period when something is inactive but may become active later.

• The virus entered latency.
• Latency can last for many years.
• Researchers studied how infected cells maintain latency.

Similar words: dormancy, inactivity

Opposites: activity

Common phrases: viral latency, period of latency, latency phase

The state of being present but hidden or not yet noticeable.

• The report discusses the latency of these traits.
• Her unusual abilities remained in latency for years.
• A sudden challenge brought his hidden courage out of latency.

Similar words: concealment

Common phrases: state of latency, latency of something, remain in latency

The time between something affecting a living thing and that living thing reacting.

• The light produced a response after a short latency.
• Researchers measured the latency of the blink reflex.
• Response latency increased when the animals were tired.

Similar words: reaction time, response delay

Common phrases: response latency, reflex latency, latency period