potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

The body scrub is formulated with a rich blend of glycolic and lactic acids for 10 percent AHA potency, plus finely ground pumice to effectively slough off dry, dead skin cells, polish, and improve skin texture. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 Aug. 2024

While this supplement has been third-party tested for manufacturing practices, the potency has not been verified, which is more common with herbal supplements. —Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

Given the potential increased potency of 6-methylnicotine, mistaken or intentional mislabeling scenarios are both concerning. —Bradley Van Paridon, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2024

But no matter how outdated the Red-baiting playbook is more than three decades after the Soviet Union broke up, Trump has retained his conviction in the potency of the political slurs of his youth. —Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation