Something that is hidden or overlooked and may only be realized at a later time.
Latent cooling load (or latent load)
The cooling load caused by moisture in the air. The net amount of moisture added to the inside air by plants, people, cooking, infiltration, and any other moisture source. The amount of moisture in the air can be calculated from a combination of dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature measurements.
Latent defect
Problem that is not obvious, but may manifest itself at a later point in time, such as lead paint or bad wiring.
Latent heat
Heat that is used to change a condition, such as that need when a solid is turned into a liquid.
Latent heat
The change in heat content that occurs with a change in phase and without change in temperature.
Latent heat of vaporization
The quantity of heat produced to change a unit weight of a liquid to vapor with no change in temperature.
Lateral
Acting to the side, or at a 90-degree angle to an object.
Lateral and subjacent support
A landowner's right to have lateral land support from adjacent properties, meaning that an adjacent land owner may not cause damage to the subject property.
Lateral reinforcement
Horizontal reinforcement surrounding a concrete column.
