from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Potent \Po"tent\, a. [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}.]
1. Producing great physical effects; forcible; powerful'
efficacious; as, a potent medicine. "Harsh and potent
injuries." --Shak.
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Moses once more his potent rod extends. --Milton.
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2. Having great authority, control, or dominion; puissant;
mighty; influential; as, a potent prince. "A potent
dukedom." --Shak.
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Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors. --Shak.
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3. Powerful, in an intellectual or moral sense; having great
influence; as, potent interest; a potent argument.
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{Cross potent}. (Her.) See Illust. (7) of {Cross}.
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Syn: Powerful; mighty; puissant; strong; able; efficient;
forcible; efficacious; cogent; influential.
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