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Definitions for: Potential
[n] the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts
[n] the inherent capacity for coming into being
[adj] existing in possibility; "a potential problem"; "possible uses of nuclear poser"
[adj] expected to become or be; in prospect; "potential clients"; "expected income"
Webster (1913) Definition: Po*ten"tial, a. [Cf. F. potentiel. See Potency.]
1. Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result;
efficacious; influential. [Obs.] ``And hath in his effect
a voice potential.'' --Shak.
2. Existing in possibility, not in actuality. ``A potential
hero.'' --Carlyle.
Potential existence means merely that the thing may
be at ome time; actual existence, that it now is.
--Sir W.
Hamilton.
Potential cautery. See under Cautery.
Potential energy. (Mech.) See the Note under Energy.
Potential mood, or mode (Gram.), that form of the verb
which is used to express possibility, liberty, power,
will, obligation, or necessity, by the use of may, can,
must, might, could, would, or should; as, I may go; he can
write.
Po*ten"tial, n.
1. Anything that may be possible; a possibility; potentially.
--Bacon.
2. (Math.) 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
co["o]rdinates 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.
3. (Elec.) 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.
Synonyms: electric potential, expected, latent, likely, possible, potency, potential difference, potential drop, potentiality, prospective, voltage
Antonyms: actual, existent
See Also: electrical phenomenon, evoked potential, latency, possibility, possibleness, prospect, resting potential
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