I. ˈpōt ə n(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin potentia potency, power
1. : potency
2. : the integrated dominance effect of a group of polygenes
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, crutch, gibbet, from Latin potentia potency, power
1. : cross , gibbet
2. : the stud of a watch in which the bearing for the lower pivot of the verge is made
b. : a supporting bracket used in watchwork
3. : a military formation in which a part of a line is thrown forward or backward at an angle to the main line
III. adjective
also po·ten·cee -nsē
Etymology: Middle French potencee, from potence crutch, gibbet
: potent II