(n)(psychoanalysis) the fourth period (from about age 5 or 6 until puberty) during which sexual interests are supposed to be sublimated into other activities, Syn.latency phase, latency period
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ See Latent. ] 1. The state or quality of being latent. [ 1913 Webster ]
To simplify the discussion, I shall distinguish three degrees of this latency. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The time between a stimulus the appearance of the response; the time between any causal action and the first appearance of the effect. Called also latent period. [ PJC ]
3.Hence: (Med.) The time between exposure to a carcinogen or other disease-causing agent and the appearance of the consequent disease. [ PJC ]