latent period

• Zeitraum zwischen einem auslösenden Reiz, einer Infektion oder Ursache und dem Auftreten einer Reaktion, eines Effekts oder von Symptomen; auch die Phase, in der etwas vorhanden, aber noch nicht sichtbar oder wirksam ist.

The time interval between exposure to a stimulus, infection, or cause and the appearance of a response, effect, or symptoms.

1. Incubation phaseC1formal

   The time between exposure to a pathogen (such as a virus or bacteria) and the appearance of the first symptoms of a disease.

   Inkubationszeit

   • The latent period for the flu can last from one to four days.
   • During the latent period, the infected person may not feel sick but can still spread the virus.
   • Doctors monitor the latent period to predict the onset of symptoms.

2. Hidden development stageC1formal

   A period of time during which a process or condition exists but is not yet active or visible.

   Latenzzeit

   • The latent period of a chemical reaction can be studied under controlled conditions.
   • In psychology, the latent period refers to a stage where certain behaviors are not yet expressed.
   • The plant's seeds have a latent period before they begin to germinate.