potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Canadian entrepreneur champions the potency of visualization, and has tailored a section of her platform, called Writing Activations, to helping subscribers carve out their dream life. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

These variations can impact the efficacy and potency of your cleaning supplies. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Oct. 2024

The character navigates a couple of major changes over the course of the play, yet somehow feels underdeveloped in ways that undercut the potency of his big moments. —Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2024

Steel won by nearly 5 percent, demonstrating the political potency of Asian-on-Asian Communist smears. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation