Definition of "potency"

potency

/ˈpəʊtənsi/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural potencies
1. Power, authority.
  Quotations
  I would to heauen I had your potencie, And you were Isabell: should it then be thus? No: I would tell what 'twere to be a Iudge, and what a prisoner.
  c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act II, scene ii], page 67, column 2
2. The ability or capacity to perform something
  1. (usually of men) Sexual virility: the ability to become erect or achieve orgasm.
3. (of alcoholic drinks, of drugs) Concentration; strength
4. Potentiality, ability, capacity.
5. (mathematics, dated) Cardinality.