efficacy
[ef-i-kuh-see]
- capacity for producing a desired result or effect; effectiveness: a remedy of great efficacy.
Show More
Origin of efficacy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
adequacyeffectivenesscompetencevirtuepotencyvigorusestrengthforceabilitypowerefficaciousnessenergyinfluenceeffectweightcapabilityperformancesuccesssufficiencyefficacy
- the quality of being successful in producing an intended result; effectiveness
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for efficacies
efficacy
n.
1520s, from Latin efficacia "efficacy, efficiency," from efficax (genitive efficacis) "powerful, effective," from stem of efficere "work out, accomplish" (see effect). Earlier in same sense was efficace (c.1200), from Old French eficace (14c.), from Latin efficacia; also efficacite (early 15c.), from Latin efficacitatem.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper