or

When referring to a given subject where more than one reference is made, it is the last item mentioned in the series.

During the 1990’s several attempts were made to damage the World Trade Center, using underground garages, but in 2001 aircraft were used from above, and the the efforts were successful. The latter attempt not only brought down the buildings, it changed the way Americans think about their own freedoms.

–adjective

1. being the second mentioned of two (distinguished from former): I prefer the latter offer to the former one.

2. more advanced in time; later: in these latter days of human progress.

3. near or comparatively near to the end: the latter part of the century.

4. Obsolete. last; final.

[Origin: bef. 1000; ME latt(e)re, OE lætra, comp. of læt late]

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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lat·ter (lāt’ər) Pronunciation Key

adj.

Being the second of two persons or things mentioned: Between captain and major, the latter is the higher rank. See Usage Note at former2.

Near or nearer to the end: the latter part of the book.

Further advanced in time or sequence; later: a style that has been revived in latter times.

Heres a link for more indepth study

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/latter

Hope this helps