Potency
'poʊtənsi
Definitions
2 meaningsThe capacity or power to produce a certain effect; effectiveness.
'poʊtənsi
The power of something to influence or make an impact.
The potency of the poison was immediately apparent.
💡 Simply: Potency is like how strong something is. Imagine a magic potion; its potency tells you how well it'll work. A strong potion has high potency!
👶 For kids: Potency means how strong something is. Like, how strong a superhero's power is!
More Examples
The potency of the argument swayed the jury.
The artist was praised for the emotional potency of her work.
The drug's potency was carefully measured to ensure safety.
How It's Used
"The potency of the drug was tested to determine its effectiveness."
"The candidate's charisma and potent arguments increased their political potency."
"The potency of the sun's rays can be harmful."
The power or ability to achieve an erection.
'poʊtənsi
The ability to achieve an erection.
Age can sometimes affect a man's sexual potency.
💡 Simply: This is a technical meaning related to a man's physical ability in a certain way. It’s about a specific physical function.
👶 For kids: Not suitable for children.
More Examples
The doctor prescribed medication to improve potency.
His potency returned after the surgery.
How It's Used
"The medication helped to restore his potency."
Synonyms
Effectiveness
Efficacy
Force
Impact
Influence
Intensity
Ability
Capacity
Idioms & expressions
high potency
Possessing a large amount of the intended effect or capability.
"The new medication has a high potency and delivers rapid relief."
low potency
Possessing a small amount of the intended effect or capability.
"The homeopathic remedy has a low potency."
From Late Latin potentia, meaning 'power, ability', derived from Latin potens 'powerful, able'.
Used in scientific and medical literature to describe the strength of a medicine or the degree of its effect. Also used in political and literary contexts since the 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of a potion that can make someone more powerful. Potency refers to the effectiveness of that potion.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: potens