Latex
/ˈleɪtɛks/
Definitions
2 meaningsA milky, often sticky, fluid produced by plants; especially the sap of the rubber tree from which rubber is made.
/ˈleɪtɛks/
A milky fluid found in many plants.
The sap of the rubber tree is a form of latex.
💡 Simply: Latex is like the gooey white juice that comes from certain plants, like the rubber tree. We use it to make things like rubber gloves or balloons! It’s what gives them their stretchiness.
👶 For kids: Latex is like a special milky juice that comes out of some plants. People use it to make things like bouncy balls!
More Examples
Latex is a key ingredient in many types of adhesives.
Some people are allergic to latex, which is found in many gloves.
How It's Used
"The latex from the rubber tree is used to make various products."
"Latex is used in the production of gloves, balloons, and other rubber-based items."
A synthetic or artificial rubber, often made from a polymer emulsion.
/ˈleɪtɛks/
A synthetic rubber.
The company produces a range of products using synthetic latex.
💡 Simply: It's also a name for artificial rubber made in a lab. This is used a lot in making gloves, balloons, or other rubber stuff where we need more than what plants can give us.
👶 For kids: Latex can also be a type of rubber that people make. It's used to make things like gloves!
More Examples
Allergic reactions can occur from exposure to latex products.
Many hospitals now use latex-free gloves.
How It's Used
"Synthetic latex is often used instead of natural latex."
"Latex gloves are commonly used in medical settings."
From Latin *lac* (milk), referring to the milky sap of the rubber tree and other plants.
Used since the late 19th century to describe the natural sap from rubber trees and the resulting manufactured products.
Memory tip
Think of the *milk* of the rubber tree.