adj.
Pronunciation: ' p ō -t ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (prp. of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Gothic br ū th faths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master
Date: 15th century
1 : having or wielding force, authority, or influence : POWERFUL
2 : achieving or bringing about a particular result : EFFECTIVE
3 a : chemically or medicinally effective <a potent vaccine> b : rich in a characteristic constituent <a potent drink>
4 : able to copulate ― usually used of the male
– po · tent · ly adverb