latex

Everyday

1. A white milky liquid that comes from some plants, especially the rubber tree, and is used to make rubber. tree →
2. A rubbery material made from this liquid or made artificially, used for gloves, balloons and paint. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons, latex is tapped from rubber trees in places like Malaysia and Brazil. In health and safety, latex gloves are used by doctors and dentists, and some people have a latex allergy, so schools may avoid latex balloons. Phrases: latex gloves, latex allergy, latex paint.

Examples

• Rubber is made from latex. tree →
• Workers cut the bark of the rubber tree to collect latex. tree →
• The dentist wore latex gloves. tree →
• My friend is allergic to latex, so we use foil balloons at her party. tree →
• Latex paint is easy to wash off brushes. tree →
• Dandelion stems also give out a white latex. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Pronounced LAY-tex. A latex allergy can be serious; people with it should avoid latex gloves and balloons.