potential difference

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. the difference between the potentials of two points in an electric field.

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potential difference British  

noun

1.  U.   ΔV.   Δφ.   pd.  the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field; the work that has to be done in transferring unit positive charge from one point to the other, measured in volts Compare electromotive force

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potential difference Scientific  

/ pə-tĕn′shəl /

1. The difference, measured in volts, in electric potential between two points, especially two points in an electric circuit.

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Etymology

Origin of potential difference

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

potential difference

That’s the potential difference between building wealth in your 20s versus catching up in your 40s when the most powerful compounding years are already gone.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 9, 2026

That’s a potential difference of tens of thousands a year in retirement checks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2024

That would entail taking some risks through a major free agent swing, dealing a popular player or two or trading stockpiled draft picks in a package for a potential difference maker.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 13, 2024

In a series where batting and spin bowling promised to be the decisive factors, Bumrah is emerging as a potential difference between the two sides.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2024

Here an increase in the potential difference produces a much greater percentage increase than in conduction through metals, where the current is proportional to the potential difference.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 8 "Conduction, Electric" by Various