potency

noun

po·​ten·​cy ˈpō-tᵊn(t)-sē How to pronounce potency (audio)
plural potencies
1
a
b
: the quality or state of being potent
c
: the ability or capacity to achieve or bring about a particular result
2

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 Adding natural germ-fighting essential oils can further boost your bath’s potency; eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint are all antibacterial and will scent your water beautifully too. Georgia Day, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 This supplement is tested for purity and potency, including testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial or other contaminants. Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 For the most part, though, director Mei Ann Teo smartly leans on the potency of Sayet’s storytelling prowess. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 Researchers estimated that cannabis use disorders among men ages 21-30 may have led to 30% more schizophrenia cases and noted that the proportion had risen in line with higher cannabis potency. Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan. 2024 Most anglers credit this bait’s potency to that unique sound. Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024 Several products advertised a truly terrifying potency: one bag of peach gummy rings from the California brand Smashed supposedly contained two hundred and fifty milligrams of THC per gummy, enough to send a devoted stoner like myself to the emergency room, if not to the grave. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 This kratom strain has become well-known all over the world because of its unique combination of alkaloids, which enhances its potency and effectiveness. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2024 In the diverse world of arachnids, black widow spiders, scientifically categorized in the genus Latrodectus, stand out for their distinct appearance and the notorious potency of their venom. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of potency was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near potency

Cite this Entry

“Potency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

potency

noun
po·​ten·​cy ˈpōt-ᵊn-sē How to pronounce potency (audio)
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 How to pronounce potency (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on potency

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