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

Time Traveler
The first known use of potential difference was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near potential difference

Cite this Entry

“Potential difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potential%20difference. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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 How to pronounce potential difference (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on potential difference

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!