potential difference

noun

: the difference in potential between two points that represents the work involved or the energy released in the transfer of a unit quantity of electricity from one point to the other

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

potential difference

noun

: the difference in potential between two points that represents the work involved or the energy released in the transfer of a unit quantity of electricity from one point to the other

Medical Definition

potential difference

noun

potential dif·​fer·​ence -ˈdif-(ə-)rən(t)s 

: the difference in electrical potential between two points that represents the work involved or the energy released in the transfer of a unit quantity of electricity from one point to the other compare action potential, generator potential, membrane potential, resting potential