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 : powerful2: achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective3 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