la·tex (lā'tĕks')
n., pl., la·ti·ces (lā'tĭ-sēz', lăt'ĭ-), or la·tex·es.

1. The colorless or milky sap of certain plants, such as the poinsettia or milkweed, that coagulates on exposure to air.
2. An emulsion of rubber or plastic globules in water, used in paints, adhesives, and various synthetic rubber products.
3. Latex paint.

[Latin, fluid.]

latex la'tex' adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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