potent

Potent is an adjective used to describe something that has great power, influence, or effect. In general use, it can refer to a wide range of qualities, including strong physical force, intense emotions, or markedly effective results. The term is also commonly applied to substances that produce pronounced or rapid effects, such as medicines, chemicals, or intoxicants, and it can carry both neutral and evaluative connotations depending on the context.

Etymology traces potent to the Latin potens, meaning powerful, derived from posse, meaning to be able. The word entered English with a sense tied to capability and strength, and its usage has broadened across science, everyday language, and specialized fields.

In pharmacology, potency describes the amount of a drug needed to produce a given effect. A highly potent drug elicits its effect at a relatively low dose, while a less potent one requires a higher dose to achieve the same response. Potency is distinct from efficacy, which (in pharmacology) refers to the maximum achievable effect of a drug regardless of dose. Factors that influence potency include receptor affinity, intrinsic activity, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability. Dose–response relationships and metrics such as ED50 are used to compare potencies.

Beyond medicine, potent can describe other strong qualities, such as a potent fragrance, a potent toxin, or a potent argument. In all uses, the term implies a strong, sometimes concentrated, effect, with the precise meaning depending on context and the object being described.