WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Po"tent
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. potens, -entis, p. pr. of posse to be able, to have power, fr. potis able, capable (akin to Skr. pati master, lord) + esse to be. See Host a landlord, Am, and cf. Despot, Podesta, Possible, Power, Puissant.]
Definition : 1. Producing great physical effects; forcible; powerful' efficacious; as, a potent medicine. "Harsh and potent injuries." Shak. Moses once more his potent rod extends. Milton.

2. Having great authority, control, or dominion; puissant; mighty; influential; as, a potent prince. "A potent dukedom." Shak. Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors. Shak.

3. Powerful, in an intellectual or moral sense; having great influence; as, potent interest; a potent argument. Cross potent. (Her.) See Illust. (7) of Cross.

Syn. -- Powerful; mighty; puissant; strong; able; efficient; forcible; efficacious; cogent; influential.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Po"tent
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : 1. A prince; a potentate. [Obs.] Shak.

2. Etym: [See Potence.]

Defn: A staff or crutch. [Obs.]

3. (Her.)

Defn: One of the furs; a surface composed of patches which are supposed to represent crutch heads; they are always alternately argent and azure, unless otherwise specially mentioned. Counter potent (Her.), a fur differing from potent in the arrangement of the patches.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913