Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Potent \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.