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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for potential energy 

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potential energy was in 1853

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

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