adjective

1. having authority or power; mighty; influential a potent monarch
2. convincing; cogent a potent argument
3. effective or powerful in action, as a drug or drink
4. able to have an erection and hence to engage in sexual intercourse

Etymology: L potens (gen. potentis), prp. of posse, to be able < potis, able (< IE base *potis, master, husband > Sans pāti, master) + esse, to be: see essence