(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.0.53 Collaborative 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 ]