Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1400-1500
Language: Latin
Origin: , present participle of potere 'to be powerful'

potent

 adjective
     
po‧tent
1 having a very powerful effect or influence on your body or mind [= powerful]:
potent drugs
a potent symbol of oppression
Advertising is a potent force in showing smoking as a socially acceptable habit.
A good company pension scheme remains a potent weapon for attracting staff.
2 powerful and effective:
The treaty requires them to get rid of their most potent weapons.
3 a man who is potent is able to have sex or able to make a woman pregnant [≠ impotent]
—potently adverb
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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