potency
Americannoun
plural
potencies-
the state or quality of being potent.
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the potency of God's word.
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capacity to be, become, or develop; potentiality.
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a person or thing exerting power or influence.
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Mathematics. cardinal number.
noun
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the state or quality of being potent
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latent or inherent capacity for growth or development
Usage
What does potency mean? Potency means strength and effectiveness.It is most commonly used in the context of medications and drugs in reference to how strong or effective they are or are capable of being.It can also be used in a more general way to refer to the power or effectiveness of someone or something, such as a leader or a statement.Potency is the noun form of the adjective potent, which generally means powerful but is commonly applied to things that produce a powerful physical or chemical effect.Example: The medication will lose its potency if kept in the sunlight.
Other Word Forms
- overpotency noun
Etymology
Origin of potency
From the Latin word potentia, dating back to 1530–40. See potent 1, -ency
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When viruses change the structures on their surface, previously effective vaccines may lose potency.
From Science Daily
But when he saw it again at the Cannes Film Festival last year, he was pleased to realize it maintains its potency.
From Los Angeles Times
By demonstrating that nanoscale structure directly influences immune potency, this research offers a framework for improving therapeutic cancer vaccines using existing components.
From Science Daily
And yet again Frank had to rely on defenders for goals, showing once more the lack of potency – and resources – he has in attack.
From BBC
Economic coercion over time loses potency as the targets adjust.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
