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

Topical Steroids Steroids come in different strengths and potencies. —Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 25 Dec. 2024

Plus, it’s tested for purity and potency by third-party labs. —April Benshosan, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024

Yes, there is a wide range of disposable weed pens available, in a variety of flavors and potencies. —Amplified Content Studio, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024

Are they being refreshed in time to keep-up with the changes, or are these same people relying on ideas well-past their expiration dates; familiar, but fading in potency; maybe even dangerous? —Bill Fischer, Forbes, 26 Nov. 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