First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1potent
adjective po·tent \ˈpō-tənt\
Definition of POTENT
1
: having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
2
: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective
3
a : chemically or medicinally effective <a potent vaccine> b : rich in a characteristic constituent <a potent drink>
4
: able to copulate —usually used of the male
— po·tent·ly adverb
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Origin of POTENT
Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Gothic brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master
2potent
adjective
Definition of POTENT
of a heraldic cross : having flat bars across the ends of the arms — see cross illustration
Origin of POTENT
obsolete English potent crutch
First Known Use: 1610
POTENT Defined for Kids
potent
adjective po·tent \ˈpō-tənt\
Definition of POTENT for Kids
1
: very effective : strong <potent medicine>
2
: having power or authority <a potent ruler>
Medical Dictionary
potent
adjective po·tent \ˈpōt-ənt\
Medical Definition of POTENT
1
: having force or power
2
: chemically or medicinally effective <a potent vaccine>
3
: able to copulate—usually used of the male
—po·tent·ly adverb
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