Potential
[pəˈtenʃl] or [pə'tɛnʃl]
Definition
(noun.) the inherent capacity for coming into being.
(adj.) existing in possibility; 'a potential problem'; 'possible uses of nuclear power' .
Checker: Muriel--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result; efficacious; influential.
(a.) Existing in possibility, not in actuality.
(n.) Anything that may be possible; a possibility; potentially.
(n.) In the theory of gravitation, or of other forces acting in space, a function of the rectangular coordinates which determine the position of a point, such that its differential coefficients with respect to the coordinates are equal to the components of the force at the point considered; -- also called potential function, or force function. It is called also Newtonian potential when the force is directed to a fixed center and is inversely as the square of the distance from the center.
(n.) The energy of an electrical charge measured by its power to do work; hence, the degree of electrification as referred to some standard, as that of the earth; electro-motive force.
Editor: Rhoda
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. Possible, IN POSSE.
Editor: Terence
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Possible, implicit, undeveloped, germinative, immanent, virtual
ANT:Actual, explicit, developed, objective, real, express
Checker: Ramona
Examples
- In this diagram G<1S> and G<2S> represent two generators, each producing current at a potential of 110 volts. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- By connecting them in series this potential is doubled, thus providing a main circuit (P and N) of 220 volts. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- What its future is to be no man may say, but its destiny is not yet fulfilled, and it is pregnant with potential possibilities. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- The dynamo is one of the great factors of modern civilization, and its potential name, like that of dynamite, rightly defines its character. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- Objections were naturally made to rails out in the open on the street surface carrying large currents at a potential of twenty volts. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- Still she was gnawed as by a neuralgia, tormented by his potential absence from her. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- THE year 1847 marked a period of great territorial acquisition by the American people, with incalculable additions to their actual and potential wealth. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- This arises from the fact that by the doubling of potential the two outside mains are reduced to one-quarter the cross-section otherwise necessary. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- In the trenches of the Western front alone during the late war thousands of potential great men died unfulfilled. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- For a long time the Roman patricians were clever enough to beat every such potential tyrant by giving in to a certain extent to the plebeians. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Each side, if considered separately, has a potential of about 110 volts, yet the potential of the two outside conductors, P and N, is 220 volts. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- But her skin was clear and fine, her hands, as she sat with them forgotten and folded, were quite beautiful, full of potential energy. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
Edited by Augustus