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Latex

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means milky sap of rubber trees; a synthetic rubber

Where does the word "latex" come from? It comes from Latin latex, adopted directly into English (1660s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
latex
Latin · ancient
"liquid, fluid"
possibly from Greek 'latax', dregs
2
Stage 2 of 2
latex
English · 1660s
"body fluid"
rubber tree sap was named 'latex' in the 1830s
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Latex’s story begins in Latin: latex meant “liquid, fluid.” Possibly from Greek 'latax', dregs. It reached English by 1660s as latex. Rubber tree sap was named 'latex' in the 1830s. Today, latex means milky sap of rubber trees; a synthetic rubber.