Definition: potency

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

potency
     n 1: possession of controlling influence; "the deterrent power of
          nuclear weapons"; "the power of his love saved her"
          [syn: power, powerfulness] [ant: powerlessness]
     2: capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical
        effects: "the toxin's potency"; "the strength of the
        drinks" [syn: effectiveness, strength]
     3: the inherent capacity for coming into being [syn: potential,
         potentiality]
     4: the state of being potent; a male's capacity to have sexual
        intercourse

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Potency \Po"ten*cy\, n. [L. potentia, from potens, -entis,
   potent. See Potent, and cf. Potance, Potence,
   Puissance.]
   The quality or state of being potent; physical or moral
   power; inherent strength; energy; ability to effect a
   purpose; capability; efficacy; influence. ``Drugs of
   potency.'' --Hawthorne.

         A place of potency and away o' the state. --Shak.