Latency (noun)

1. The time delay or lag between a stimulus and response.
2. The period of time during which a system or process is inactive or dormant.

Origin:

From the latin word latentia, meaning hidden or concealed.

Examples:

1. The latency of the computer system was affecting the performance of the software.
2. The latency between the button press and the screen display was noticeable.
3. Latency is an important factor to consider in network communication and data transmission.
4. The latency of the memory system can affect the speed and efficiency of the computer.
5. The latency period of the virus allowed it to spread unnoticed before symptoms appeared.