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 coördinates 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.
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.
Hear it pronounced