puissance

noun puis·sance \ˈpwi-s^ən(t)s, ˈpyü-ə-sən(t)s, pyü-ˈi-s^ən(t)s\

Definition of PUISSANCE

See puissance defined for kids

Middle English, from Anglo-French pussance, puissance, from pussant able, powerful, from poer to be able, be powerful — more at power

First Known Use: 15th century

Synonyms: energy, firepower, force, horsepower, might, muscle, potence, potency, power, sinew, strength, vigor

Next Word in the Dictionary: puissantPrevious Word in the Dictionary: puisneAll Words Near: puissance

What made you want to look up puissance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears