English Dictionary

potential

/pəˈtɛnʃəl/

adj

Existing in possibility, not in actuality. / (archaic) Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result / (physics) A potential field is an irrotational (static) field.

There is a potential risk of flooding in the area.

意味（1）

Existing in possibility, not in actuality.

The heroic man,—and is not every man, God be thanked, a potential hero?—has to do so, in all times and circumstances.

意味（2）

(archaic) Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result

And hath, in his effect, a voice potential

意味（3）

(physics) A potential field is an irrotational (static) field.

From Maxwell equations (6.20) it follows that the electric field is potential: E(r) = −gradφ(r).

意味（4）

(physics) A potential flow is an irrotational flow.

The non-viscous flow of the vacuum should be potential (irrotational).

意味（5）

(grammar) Referring to a verbal construction of form stating something is possible or probable.