ɔːˈθɒɹəti əˈθɔɹəti ˈdɒmɪnəns ˈdɑːmɪnəns pəˈtɛnʃəl stɹɛŋkθ capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects the toxin's potency the strength of the drinks the power or right to give orders or make decisions he has the authority to issue warrants deputies are given authorization to make arrests a place of potency in the state the state of being potent; a male's capacity to have sexual intercourse the inherent capacity for coming into being