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potency
/ˈpoʊtənsi/
power or effectiveness
The drug loses its potency if exposed to direct sunlight.
The medicine becomes less powerful and effective when left in direct sun.
Medicine
technical
The strength or concentration of a drug or chemical to produce a specific effect.
The doctor adjusted the dosage based on the potency of the medication.
The physician changed the amount given according to how strong the medicine was.
In pharmacology, higher potency means a smaller amount is required to achieve the desired effect.
formal
The persuasive power, force, or influence of an idea, argument, or symbol.
The potency of her argument convinced the jury immediately.
The strong persuasive force of her reasoning persuaded the jury right away.
Collocations
lose potencybecome less effective or strong over timehigh potencyhaving a strong active effect or high concentrationsymbolic potencystrong influence or meaning as a symbol
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Potency vs. Potential
'Potency' refers to active strength or power to cause an immediate effect, while 'potential' refers to unrealized capability that may develop in the future.
Gold Rule
Use in Specific Contexts
Reserve 'potency' for chemical/medicinal strength, emotional/persuasive power, or legal authority, rather than everyday physical strength.
Word Origin
Derived from Latin 'potentia' (power, capability), from 'potens', the present participle of 'posse' (to be able).
Usage Notes
In contemporary English, 'potency' usually refers to active chemical/pharmacological strength or the persuasive power of arguments, rather than raw physical strength.
English Dictionary