potency

[poht-n-see] /ˈpoʊt n si/
noun, plural potencies for 4–6.
1.
the state or quality of being potent.
2.
power; authority.
3.
efficacy; effectiveness; strength.
4.
capacity to be, become, or develop; potentiality.
5.
a person or thing exerting power or influence.
6.
Mathematics, cardinal number (def 2).
Also, potence.
Origin
1530-40; < Latin potentia. See potent1, -ency
Related forms
overpotency, noun
Synonyms
1. strength, force, energy, capacity, potential.
Examples from the web for potency
  • Conversely, some antacids increase the potency of certain drugs.
  • Such is the fabulous potency of the idea of the book.
  • All known pit vipers are venomous, although their potency varies across species.
  • Because the potency is so low in the supplements that it has no effect.
  • Rush immunotherapy has been tried, but far too often patients have had severe reactions to the higher potency shots.
  • The nonprofit offers kits to test ecstasy's potency.
  • There is some concern that increasing use of combinations may reduce the potency of some of the vaccines.
  • But the potency of these issues will have faded by the time of the next election.
  • Pot strains vary in potency and the nature of their effect.
  • Humanity's ascent to global potency is a culmination of creative ideas that are the trademark of our species.
British Dictionary definitions for potency

potency

/ˈpəʊtənsɪ/
noun (pl) -tencies, -tences
1.
the state or quality of being potent
2.
latent or inherent capacity for growth or development
Word Origin
C16: from Latin potentia power, from posse to be able
Word Origin and History for potency
n.

mid-15c., from Latin potentia "power," from potentem "potent" (see potent).

potency in Medicine

potency po·ten·cy (pōt'n-sē)
n.

  1. The quality or condition of being potent.

  2. The pharmacological activity of a compound.