In addition, large-scale climate events like El Nino and La Nina redistribute vast water masses among Earth's ocean, atmosphere and land. Scientists care because, to put movements of Earth's crust into proper context, they need a frame of reference to evaluate them against.
Adj. 1. operant-having influence or producing an effect; many emotional determinants at work; an operant conscience. operative-being in force or having or exerting force; operative regulations; the major tendencies operative in the American political system. 1  Facebook.
Search also in: Web News Encyclopedia Images. latent Latent is used to describe something which is hidden and not obvious at the moment, but which may develop further in the future. adj usu ADJ n (Antonym: overt) Advertisements attempt to project a latent meaning behind an overt message.latent.atent is used to describe something which is hidden and not obvious at the moment, but which may develop further in the future. adj usu ADJ n (Antonym: overt) Advertisements attempt to project a latent meaning behind an overt message. latent.