potent

¹po·tent

adjective \ˈpō-t^ənt\

Definition of POTENT

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

Origin of POTENT

Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Gothic brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master

First Known Use: 15th century

²potent

adjective

Definition of POTENT

of a heraldic cross

: having flat bars across the ends of the arms — see cross illustration

Origin of POTENT

obsolete English potent crutch

First Known Use: 1610

Other Heraldry Terms

blazon, cachet, couchant, dormant, escutcheon, standard, totem

po·tent

adjective \ˈpōt-^ənt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of POTENT

1

: having force or power

2

: chemically or medicinally effective <a potent vaccine>

3

: able to copulate—usually used of the male

—po·tent·ly adverb