ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1.
a. : a building in which mechanical, electrical, or other power is generated ; specifically : an electric utility generating station
b. : a source of influence or inspiration
protegés of party powerhouses — New Republic
the meeting for worship is … the powerhouse of everything Quakerism has accomplished — W.W.Comfort
2. : one having or wielding great power: as
a. : an individual of unusual physical or mental capacity
a powerhouse with sandpaper lungs, stomped his foot and opened his mouth — Truman Capote
a powerhouse of a woman teacher — Time
no other … trout can boast of greater fighting qualities; he is a powerhouse — Alexander MacDonald
b. : an effective well-coordinated group
the combo is a real powerhouse … with the authentic feeling for the music — Christian Science Monitor
specifically : an athletic team characterized by strong aggressive play
two perennial powerhouses, Notre Dame and Army — Americana Annual
c. : a very strong hand held by one player in a card game
d. : a group or list of influential people
has lined up a powerhouse to officiate at its Fiction Writers Conference — Bennett Cerf