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| po·tent [ pṓt'nt ] |
adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. strong and effective: possessing great physical, political, or military strength and power
 a potent force
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2. powerfully persuasive: exerting or capable of exerting great powers of persuasion or influence
 a potent symbol
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3. with strong physiological effect: producing a powerful effect on the body or mind when taken, eaten, or drunk
 The local brew is said to be particularly potent.
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4. capable of sexual intercourse: used to describe a man who is capable of achieving an erection or ejaculation
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| [15th century. < Latin potent-, present participle of posse "be powerful," contraction of potis esse< potis "able" + esse "be"] |
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 po·tent·ly adverb |
 po·tent·ness noun |
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