potential energy

[puh-ten-shuhl en-er-jee]

noun

Physics.

1. the energy of a body or a system with respect to the position of the body or the arrangement of the particles of the system.

potential energy

noun

1. Ep.  V.  U.  φ.  PE. the energy of a body or system as a result of its position in an electric, magnetic, or gravitational field. It is measured in joules (SI units), electronvolts, ergs, etc

potential energy

1. The energy possessed by a body as a result of its position or condition rather than its motion. A raised weight, coiled spring, or charged battery has potential energy.

2. Compare kinetic energy

potential energy

1. The energy an object has because of its position, rather than its motion. An object held in a person's hand has potential energy, which turns to kinetic energy — the energy of motion — when the person lets it go, and it drops to the ground.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential energy¹

First recorded in 1850–55