latter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the second of two or the second mentioned of two
    • Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today
  2. adjective referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
    • in the latter case

WordNet

Lat"ter adjective
Etymology
OE. later, lætter, compar. of lat late. See Late, and cf. Later.
Definitions
  1. Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; -- opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain.
  2. Of two things, the one mentioned second.
    The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior. I. Watts.
  3. Recent; modern.
    Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania? Locke.
  4. Last; latest; final. R. "My latter gasp." Shak.

Webster 1913