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 week we were reminded of its power and potency, when on Tuesday the Arizona State Supreme Court reinstated an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions, making the presidential battleground state ground zero for the fight of reproductive rights. —Nbc Universal, NBC News, 14 Apr. 2024

This potency is pretty amazing when compared to other products on the market. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

Each of the five different types of skin-brightening vitamin C featured in this serum is dual-encapsulated for a slower release, which minimizes skin irritation and protects the potency of the water-soluble antioxidant longer, thus making its formula more effective. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 10 Apr. 2024

Quality-control measures, how the ingredients are sourced, and their purities and potencies are all important. —Mark Anderson, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Like other Nordic Naturals products, this one has been third-party tested for purity and potency. —Isabel Vasquez, Rd, Ldn, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024

Value – The product is cost-effective considering product quality and potency. —Dr. Diana Rangaves, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Things To Consider While they aren’t certified by one of our preferred third-party organizations, Pure Encapsulation’s ingredients are tested for identity, potency, contaminants, metals, and allergens. —Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024

On this mind-altering trip, the women may have liaised with deities and divined their society’s future—unaware that the powder’s potency came from its main elemental component: the toxic metal mercury. —Bridget Alex, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 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