Lappangás

Lappangás is a Hungarian noun that primarily denotes concealment or hiding, as well as a latent or dormant state. It is formed from the verb lappanni, meaning to lie hidden, with the nominal suffix -ás. The word is used in everyday language to describe the act of keeping something out of sight or staying undiscovered, as well as in more formal contexts such as security, law, or medicine.

In medical and public health language, lappangás often refers to the latent or incubation period of a disease. The lappangási idő (latent period) is the interval between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms. This period can vary widely depending on the disease, the mode and dose of infection, and the host’s immune response. Some infections may be infectious before symptoms appear, which affects transmission dynamics and control measures. The term is common in epidemiology, epidemiological reporting, and health education.

Beyond medicine, lappangás can describe any situation in which a condition or threat remains hidden or undetected for a period. The concept is used to discuss hidden risks, delayed revelations, or stealthy behavior in various fields, including criminology and security studies. Related terms include lappangási idő, lappangó fertőzés (latent infection), and lappangás ideje, which broaden the idea of concealment and latency across contexts.