po·ten·tial (pə-tĕnˈshəl)

1. The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.
2. The work required to bring a unit electric charge, magnetic pole, or mass from an infinitely distant position to a designated point in a static electric, magnetic, or gravitational field, respectively.
3. The potential energy of a unit charge at any point in an electric circuit measured with respect to a specified reference point in the circuit or to ground; voltage.