latency

Synonyms:
  • induction period
  • induction time
  • latent period
  • response time
German: Latenzzeit
Japanese: 潜時

1. Medicine. In general, the time interval between exposure to a stimulus, carcinogen, or toxin and the reaction of the organism.
2. Neurophysiology. The interval between stimulus and reaction.
3. Microbiology. The time interval between the infection caused by a microorganism (e.g., bacteria or viruses) and the development of a consequent disease.
4. Oncology. Time interval between the exposure to a carcinogen (e.g., chemicals, ionizing radiation) and the occurence of cancer symptoms.

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