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delitescent

/ˌdɛlɪˈtɛsənt/
IPA guide

Something that is delitescent is hidden. A delitescent cabin may be tucked deep in the woods, or a delitescent talent may lie beneath the surface, unknown to others — or even to the person who has it.

The word delitescent may be used in literary contexts to describe actual things that are physically hidden. It can also describe feelings or talents that exist beneath someone's outward persona and may not show up until a particular situation calls them forth. Your delitescent leadership qualities may be revealed only when the stage manager for the school play is sick on opening night and you have to step in and take charge. The term is also sometimes used in medicine, where it could describe an illness lurking beneath the surface but not yet symptomatic.

Definitions of delitescent
  1. adjective
    hidden, latent, or existing only as a possibility
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