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

The authors also did not factor in potential differences in demographic and socioeconomic factors.

From Los Angeles Times

They allow for even distribution across groups and take into account potential differences among subjects that researchers may not have anticipated.

From Seattle Times

Careful to cultivate an image of a unified party, the White House has taken pains to conduct significant outreach to Democrats to understand their interests and smooth out potential differences, one aide said.

From Washington Post

"It was a place where race, religion, and social class did not matter. Everyone was there for one cause. The sense of unity in that place transcended any potential differences."

From BBC

“This partnership signifies our commitment to work together” In the past, Sony has cited potential differences like these as the reason for not allowing PS4 gamers to play against other consoles.

From The Verge