[pow.er] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OF poeir, fr. poeir to be able, fr. (assumed) VL potere, alter. of L posse--more at potent] (13c) 1 a (1): ability to act or produce an effect (2): ability to get extra-base hits (3): capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b: legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2. a: possession of control, authority, or influence over others b: one having such power; specif: a sovereign state c: a controlling group: establishment--often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic: a force of armed men e chiefly dial: a large number or quantity 3 a: physical might b: mental or moral efficacy c: political control or influence
4. pl: an order of angels--see celestial hierarchy
5. a: the number of times as indicated by an exponent that a number occurs as a factor in a product; also: the product itself b: cardinal number 2
6. a: a source or means of supplying energy; esp: electricity b: motive power c: the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred 7: magnification 2b 8: scope, comprehensiveness 9: the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when a particular alternative hypothesis happens to be true syn power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence "the power to mold public opinion". authority implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits "gave her attorney the authority to manage her estate". jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits "the bureau having jurisdiction over alcohol and firearms". control stresses the power to direct and restrain "you are responsible for the students under your control". command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience "the army officer in command". sway suggests the extent or scope of exercised power or influence "an empire that extended its sway over the known world". dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority "given dominion over all the animals". syn power, force, energy, strength, might mean the ability to exert effort. power may i
[2]power (1540) vt 1: to supply with power and esp. motive power
2: to give impetus to ~ vi 1: to move about by means of motive power
2: to move with great speed or force [3]power adj (1949) 1: relating to or utilizing power "plays a ~ game"; also: powerful 1 "a ~ critic"
2: of, relating to, or being a meal at which influential people discuss business or politics