POTENCY Meaning and
Definition
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Potency refers to the degree of power, strength, or effectiveness of something. It is a noun that describes the capability or potential of a substance, object, or person to produce a desired or intended effect. Potency is often associated with the ability to cause a significant impact or influence on its surroundings.
In the context of medicine or pharmacology, potency relates to the strength or concentration of a drug or medication. It refers to how much of a substance is needed to produce a particular therapeutic effect. A more potent drug requires a smaller dose to achieve the desired outcome, whereas a less potent drug might necessitate a larger dose. This measurement is typically expressed numerically or quantitatively in order to provide a standardized comparison among different drugs.
Moreover, potency can also pertain to a person's ability to engage in or perform a particular task or activity. In this sense, it represents the level of skill, expertise, or proficiency possessed by an individual. Someone with great potency in a skill may be highly effective or successful in carrying out that task, while someone with lower potency might struggle or be less efficient in accomplishing the same task.
Overall, potency denotes the degree or intensity of power, strength, or effectiveness, whether applied to substances, objects, or individuals, and plays a significant role in various domains ranging from medicine to personal capabilities.
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1. Power, force, strength. 2. In homeopathy, (a) the therapeutic efficacy of a drug as increased by succussion or trituration with alcohol or sugar of milk, respectively; (b) the degree of dilution or attenuation of a drug by which its therapeutic efficacy is increased. There are two degrees or systems of potency, the decimal and the centesimal. In the decimal system one part of the crude drug is triturated with nine parts of sugar of milk to make the first decimal potency. To make the second decimal potency one part of the first potency is triturated with nine parts of sugar of milk; and so on. In the case of drugs of which tinctures can be made, one drop of the mother tincture is added to nine drops of alcohol (in larger amounts, but in the same proportion) and the mixture is strongly shaken (succussed) to make the first decimal dilution or potency; one drop of this succussed with nine drops of alcohol makes the second decimal dilution, and so on. The centesimal potencies are made in the same way, except that one grain or one drop is triturated or shaken with 99 grains or drops of the diluent to make the first centesimal potency; and one part of this again is mixed with 99 parts of the diluent to make the second centesimal potency. The centesimal potencies are indicated by numbers from 1 to 30 (usually, though not always, the highest potency used); the decimal potencies are indicated by the signs 1x, 2X, 30X, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Physical or moral power; efficacy; influence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of POTENCY
The word "potency" is derived from the Latin word "potentia", which means "power" or "ability". The Latin term originates from the Latin verb "potens", meaning "being able" or "having power". It is also related to the Latin word "potis", which means "able" or "capable". The word "potency" entered the English language in the late 15th century, retaining its original sense of power or capability. Over time, it has developed additional meanings such as strength, efficacy, or the potential for growth or development.
Similar spelling words for POTENCY
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