potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē How to pronounce potency (audio)
plural potencies
1
a
b
: the quality or state of being potent
c
: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result
2

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
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.
Revealing the continued potency of the issue, Reagan’s campaign was inundated with letters begging him to abrogate the treaties and maintain American power abroad should he be elected. Aaron Coy Moulton / Made By History, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 Runs beyond the defensive line are crucial to a team’s attacking potency, particularly in a Premier League that is increasingly physically demanding. Mark Carey, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 The team’s dreadful opening to the league has overshadowed the potency of Garcia, who ranks fifth in the conference in scoring (18.6 points per game) and minutes (34.0) and 12th in rebounding (7.3). Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025 This is an issue because as gaming hardware improves in graphical potency, the requirements to fulfill that increase logarithmically. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for potency 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of potency was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near potency

Cite this Entry

“Potency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potency. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

potency

noun
po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē How to pronounce potency (audio)
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 How to pronounce potency (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on potency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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