latency
Say it: LAY-tun-see /ˈleɪt(ə)nsi/ · noun
What “latency” means
The wait before data arrives or a response begins.
More precisely: The delay before a transfer of data, or a response, begins.
Example: “Online gamers pay for fibre because 100 milliseconds of latency can lose a match.”
When to use it
In technical discussion, especially about networks or devices, when the delay before a response matters.
Similar words
delay, lag, response time
Where it comes from
From Latin latere, 'to lie hidden'.
Quick check
You click to open a remote file, then wait before any data starts arriving. What is that initial delay?
latency or bandwidth?
Show the answer
latency
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