Main Entry: ¹po·tent

Pronunciation: \ˈpō-t^ənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: 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

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