I. ˈpō-t ə nt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Gothic brūth 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
II. adjective
Etymology: obsolete English potent crutch
Date: 1610
of a heraldic cross : having flat bars across the ends of the arms — see cross illustration