How to pronounce latex
Say it like LAY-teks. Latex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce latex. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAY
- teks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Latex pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- teksGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of latex
American and British speakers say latex in essentially the same way: /ˈleɪˌtɛks/ in the US and /ˈleɪˌtɛks/ in the UK.
British respelling: LAY-teks.
What does latex mean?
- The milky sap of several trees that coagulates on exposure to air; used to make rubber.
- An emulsion of rubber in water, used in adhesives and the like.
- Natural latex rubber, especially nonvulcanized rubber, such as is used in making latex gloves, latex condoms, and latex clothing.
Where does latex come from?
Borrowed from New Latin latex (“clear fluid which is part of a humor or bodily fluid”), a later use of Latin latex (“water; liquid, fluid”).
Questions about saying latex
How do you pronounce latex?
Say LAY-teks. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪˌtɛks/. In British English it is /ˈleɪˌtɛks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in latex?
Latex has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · teks.
Do Americans and Brits say latex the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈleɪˌtɛks/ and the British form is /ˈleɪˌtɛks/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.