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

This formula has visible oil capsules suspended in water for maximum potency—the capsules break upon contact with skin. —Sarah Han, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

And for the first time since 2021, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has seen a decrease in the potency of fentanyl pills. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024

The problem for Putin is that his nuclear threats are losing their potency. —Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024

Perhaps most fundamentally, the public — and drug users themselves — are also likely more familiar with the potency and presence of fentanyl, which is far stronger than heroin or legitimate opioid pills. —Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 24 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