latent
adj.adj. present but hidden or not yet active. You use this to describe something that exists but cannot be seen until the right moment.
adj. existing in a concealed or dormant state but capable of emerging or being developed. Often used to describe potential, diseases, or psychological traits that have not yet manifested.
The doctor says the virus is currently latent in his body.
The tests revealed a latent talent for mathematics that the student had never explored before.
While the conflict appeared to have been resolved, latent tensions between the two communities remained just below the surface, waiting for a catalyst to reignite them.
From Middle English latent, latente, from Old French latent, from Latin latēns, present participle of lateō (“lie hidden”).
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain' or 'be', or attributively before nouns like 'talent', 'heat', or 'infection'.