Po″tent (?), a. [L. potens, -entis, p. pr. of posse to be able, to have power, fr. potis able, capable (akin to Skr. pati master, lord) + esse to be. See Host a landlord, Am, and cf. Despot, Podesta, Possible, Power, Puissant.] 1. Producing great physical effects; forcible; powerful' efficacious; as, a potent medicine. “Harsh and potent injuries.” Shak.
Moses once more his potent rod extends. Milton.
2. Having great authority, control, or dominion; puissant; mighty; influential; as, a potent prince. “A potent dukedom.” Shak.
Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors. Shak.
3. Powerful, in an intellectual or moral sense; having great influence; as, potent interest; a potent argument.
Cross potent. (Her.) See Illust. (7) of Cross.
Syn. — Powerful; mighty; puissant; strong; able; efficient; forcible; efficacious; cogent; influential.