Latex Definition and 999 Threads

Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer microparticles in water. Latexes are found in nature, but synthetic latexes are common as well.
Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms). It is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums that coagulate on exposure to air. It is usually exuded after tissue injury. In most plants, latex is white, but some have yellow, orange, or scarlet latex. Since the 17th century, latex has been used as a term for the fluid substance in plants, deriving from the Latin word for "liquid." It serves mainly as defense against herbivorous insects. Latex is not to be confused with plant sap; it is a distinct substance, separately produced, and with separate functions.
The word latex is also used to refer to natural latex rubber, particularly non-vulcanized rubber. Such is the case in products like latex gloves, latex condoms and latex clothing.
Originally, the name given to latex by indigenous Equator tribes who cultivated the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, was "caoutchouc", from the words caa ('tear') and ochu ('tree'), because of the way it is collected.

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  1. S

    LaTeX Creating a title in Latex while using two columns

    I want to create a title that spans the entire width of the page and then below the title, I want the actual text to be in two columns. I am currently using \documentclass[twocolumn]{article}, which puts the entire document into two columns, including the title, which is now in the left column...
  2. R

    LaTeX Adjust Line Spacing in LaTeX for Dedication Page

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  3. V

    LaTeX How do you export LaTeX into .png's?

    I recently started using the LaTeX programs for windows with the TexnicCenter. I have no problem compiling into a pdf or dvi, but I always see these formulas posted on various websites as png pictures. How do I transform my equations generated in LaTeX into a png image?
  4. G

    LaTeX Latex Ref Test: x2, x3, \nearrow, \sqrt[]{}8

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  5. N

    LaTeX What kind of LaTex is this forum using?

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  6. C

    LaTeX LaTex Software for Windows: User-Friendly Solutions

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  7. X

    LaTeX Can I use the Latex code used on this site on mine?

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  8. W

    LaTeX Solving Latex (Beamer) Error for Maths Presentation

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  9. R

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  10. L

    LaTeX Deriving the Einstein Equations: Appendix for Honours Project

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  11. B

    LaTeX Troubleshooting Latex Editors: LEd and Texmaker Error Messages Explained

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  12. T

    LaTeX How to get latex to display when browsing

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  13. M

    LaTeX Finding Non-Basic LaTeX Document Styles

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  14. R

    LaTeX Creating a Table in LaTeX - Multicolumn/Booktabs

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  15. D

    LaTeX Software for viewing/writing LaTeX

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  16. L

    LaTeX Debugging Latex Code: 28 Errors and Still Trying

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  17. K

    LaTeX Weird page numbering problem in LaTeX

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  18. CFDFEAGURU

    LaTeX Fixing LaTex Problems on IE7 & Windows XP - Matt

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  19. U

    LaTeX Making Latex Easier: A Proposal for a Smoother User Experience

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  20. R

    LaTeX Improve LaTex Formula Readability with These Simple Tips

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  21. cepheid

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  22. S

    LaTeX Solve Latex Problem - Chapter 1: Unbiased Estimators

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  23. S

    LaTeX Create a contents page using Latex

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  24. B

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  25. L

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  26. S

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  27. L

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  28. N

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  29. J

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  30. MathematicalPhysicist

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  31. DaveC426913

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  32. F

    LaTeX Saving a Figure from Wiki to EPS for Latex

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  33. edpell

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  34. maverick280857

    LaTeX Adding Black Squares & Line Numbers in LaTeX Equations

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  35. A

    LaTeX How to create my own LaTeX Beamer theme?

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  36. JasonRox

    LaTeX Solving LaTeX \nmid Problems with Packages

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  37. Hepth

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  38. F

    LaTeX Help with LateX, site recommendations

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  39. W

    LaTeX Latex code for Hermitian Conjugate

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  40. R

    LaTeX Increment (or decrement) a parameter in LaTeX

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  41. K

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  42. S

    LaTeX How can I insert an image in a LaTeX document?

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  43. Z

    LaTeX Latex Code for Diagram: Help & Tutorials

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  44. W

    LaTeX How Can I Type Space Between Two Equations in Latex?

    How to type "space" in Latex Hi there, Can I just ask how can I type "space" between two equations (for example) on the same line? Thanks!
  45. P

    LaTeX Troubleshooting Latex Code: Poor Quality and Unreadable Output

    am I having a problem with it? The quality of it is so bad I cannot read any of it. It looks like this. http://i36.tinypic.com/52l646.jpg
  46. E

    LaTeX Two-Column Document using Latex

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  47. E

    LaTeX Writting a Circle in a Latex Document

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  48. J

    LaTeX How to insert spaces between words in latex

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  49. P

    LaTeX I am stupid, tell me how to create documents with LaTeX.

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  50. O

    LaTeX Help with Latex: Finding Y(1-1) (l=1,y=-1)

    I'm sorry; I have some difficulties with Latex... I have attached Pdf with my question on finding Y(1-1) (l=1,y=-1). Thanks, Omri
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