potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē 

plural potencies

1

a

: force, power

b

: the quality or state of being potent

c

: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result

2

: potentiality sense 1

Synonyms

• energy
• firepower
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Examples of potency in a Sentence

The potency of her words changed many minds in the audience that night.

Any vitamin of high potency should only be taken in the proper dosage.

Recent Examples on the Web

The streaming potency of the 2014 film helped motivate the decision by Disney to mobilize a Moana streaming series for Disney+, which was then refashioned into a theatrical sequel. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025

More growers embraced breeding techniques to increase the potency of the marijuana smoked in joints, blunts and bongs, pushing the THC levels to as much as 30 percent. —Katie J.m. Baker, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025

This vape combines top-quality THC-P distillate with Delta-8 THC, delivering moderate to high potency. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025

If an insert loses its potency, just add a few drops of your own stuff to reinvigorate it. —John Burek, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent

vitamins of high potency

especially : power to bring about a certain result

Medical Definition

potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē 

plural potencies

: the quality or state of being potent: as

a

: chemical or medicinal strength or efficacy

a drug's potency

b

: the ability to copulate

—usually used of the male

c

: initial inherent capacity for development of a particular kind

cells with a potency for eye formation