Latex is a term that can refer to different things depending on the context. Here are some of the uses of latex:

• Natural latex rubber: This is a milky fluid found in nature that is used to make products like gloves, condoms, and clothing.
• Latex mattresses: These are made from natural latex rubber and are a popular choice for eco-shoppers because latex is a sustainable material sourced from rubber trees.
• Latex paint: This is a type of paint that uses synthetic latexes, which are aqueous dispersion polymers, as a binder dispersed in water. They form films by fusion of the plastic particles as the water evaporates.
• LaTeX document preparation system: This is a software system used for high-quality typesetting of documents, particularly technical or scientific ones. It is based on the idea of separating document content from document design, allowing authors to focus on the former while leaving the latter to document designers.
• Latex compounds: These are dispersions or emulsions of polymers in water that can be combined with other chemicals to create a wide range of products. Some examples include adhesives, back coatings for textiles, and bedding products like pillows and mattresses.

In summary, latex has a variety of uses, from natural rubber products to synthetic polymers and document preparation software.