potential

1. potential (noun) — sense 1

Definition: A currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to).

Example: Even from a young age it was clear that she had the potential to become a great musician.

2. potential (noun) — sense 2

Definition: The gravitational potential: the radial (irrotational, static) component of a gravitational field, also known as the Newtonian potential or the gravitoelectric field.

3. potential (noun) — sense 3

Definition: The work (energy) required to move a reference particle from a reference location to a specified location in the presence of a force field, for example to bring a unit positive electric charge from an infinite distance to a specified point against an electric field.

4. potential (adj) — sense 4

Definition: Existing in possibility, not in actuality.

Example: The heroic man,—and is not every man, God be thanked, a potential hero?—has to do so, in all times and circumstances.

5. potential (adj) — sense 5

Definition: Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result

Example: And hath, in his effect, a voice potential

6. potential (adj) — sense 6

Definition: irrotational

Example: From Maxwell equations (6.20) it follows that the electric field is potential: E(r) = −gradφ(r).