potential energy

noun

: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or nature or because of the arrangement of parts

Examples of potential energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The resulting risk environment in energy is highly complex, and organizations will be challenged to traverse emerging political developments, regulatory and policy changes, potential energy price volatility, technology advances and supply chain disruption. Vince Tizzio, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Nutrients and water move through the soil due to differences in potential energy. Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2025 Advertisement There are many potential energy and climate change implications of the U.S.-initiated trade dispute. Justin Worland/houston, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 The passage sets the stage for advancing Trump's domestic policy agenda, including tax cuts, border security measures and potential energy cuts. Lauren Floyd, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for potential energy

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potential energy was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Potential energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potential%20energy. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

potential energy

noun
: the amount of energy a thing (as a weight raised to a height or a coiled spring) has because of its position or because of the arrangement of its parts

Medical Definition

potential energy

noun
: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or because of the arrangement of parts

More from Merriam-Webster on potential energy

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