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potent

adjective (1)
po·​tent | \ ˈpō-tᵊnt How to pronounce potent (audio) \

Definition of potent

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful
2 : achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective
3a : chemically or medicinally effective a potent vaccine
b : rich in a characteristic constituent a potent drink
4 : able to copulate —usually used of the male

potent

adjective (2)

Definition of potent (Entry 2 of 2)

of a heraldic cross
: having flat bars across the ends of the arms — see cross illustration

Other Words from potent

Adjective (1)

potently adverb

First Known Use of potent

Adjective (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for potent

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Goth brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master

Adjective (2)

obsolete English potent crutch

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More Definitions for potent

potent

adjective
po·​tent | \ ˈpō-tᵊnt How to pronounce potent (audio) \

Kids Definition of potent

1 : very effective : strong potent medicine
2 : having power or authority a potent ruler

potent

adjective
po·​tent | \ ˈpōt-ᵊnt How to pronounce potent (audio) \

Medical Definition of potent

1 : having force or power
2 : chemically or medicinally effective a potent vaccine
3 : able to copulate —usually used of the male

Other Words from potent

potently adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on potent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for potent

Spanish Central: Translation of potent

Nglish: Translation of potent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of potent for Arabic Speakers

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