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potential energy
noun
: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or nature or because of the arrangement of parts
Examples of potential energy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kinetic energy wouldn’t affect the universe’s expansion the way the potential energy did, so its effects wouldn’t be observable as time went on.
—Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
Over time the field would roll down the hill, and its potential energy would be converted to kinetic energy.
—Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024
On multiple occasions, the spacecraft flew through the plumes and found a smorgasbord of chemicals, including molecular hydrogen—a potential energy source for life—and carbon compounds that are precursors to amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.
—science.org, 19 Sep. 2024
Challenges ahead Hydrogen has long been billed as one of many potential energy sources that could play a significant role in the energy transition, but most of it is produced using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas through a process that generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1853, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near potential energy
Cite this Entry
“Potential energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potential%20energy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
potential energy
noun
: the amount of energy a thing (as a weight raised to a height or a coiled spring) has because of its position or because of the arrangement of its parts
Medical Definition
potential energy
noun
: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or because of the arrangement of parts
More from Merriam-Webster on potential energy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potential energy
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