LATENT

noun

1. (forensics) The residue left by a person's finger that can be made visible by a process such as powder dusting; a latent fingerprint.
2. An underlying cause that can be inferred from statistical correlations; factor.
3. Anything that is latent.

adjective

1. Existing or present but concealed or inactive.
2. (of a virus) remaining in an inactive or hidden phase; dormant.
3. Lying dormant or hidden until circumstances are suitable for development or manifestation.