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

Ruptures occur at various depths, faults hold varying amounts of potential energy, and tectonic plates break at different speeds — each affecting how the quake is felt even from a short distance away, Pitarka said. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 30 May 2026

Russia is confident that its floating power units will be able to meet current and potential energy shortages in remote nd offshore areas, not just in the country but also abroad. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

As protostellar growth continues, gravitational potential energy converts into heat. —Big Think, 20 Apr. 2026

Mikhail Metzel | Via Reuters Russia has offered to help China with any potential energy shortfall, as the war in the Middle East heightens geopolitical divisions and threatens global commodity supplies. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potential energy

• bioenergy

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