1. An emulsion or suspension produced by some seed plants; it contains suspended microscopic globules of natural rubber. 2. Similar synthetic materials such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, etc. [L. liquid]
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la·tex 'lā-.teks n, pl la·ti·ces 'lāt-ə-.sēz, 'lat- or la·tex·es a milky usu. white fluid that is usu. made up of various gum resins, fats, or waxes and often a complex mixture of other substances frequently including poisonous compounds, is produced by cells of various seed plants (as of the milkweed, spurge, and poppy families), and is the source of rubber, gutta-percha, chicle, and balata
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la·tex (laґteks) [L. “fluidâ€] 1. any of various white viscid fluids secreted by certain plants; the variety from Hevea brasiliensis, the rubber tree, was formerly the main source of commercial rubber. Allergic reactions to natural latex are an important cause of type IV hypersensitivity reactions. See also latex allergy, under allergy. 2. any of several synthetic fluids resembling natural latex, including polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride; see also latex agglutination test under tests.Medical dictionary. 2011.