potencia

power

noun poh-TEN-syah Less Common

Origin: From Latin potentia (power, ability), from potens (powerful).

Also means

potential

Usage Note

Potencia refers to power in physics (measured in watts), geopolitical power (una gran potencia = 'a great power'), and mathematical powers (dos elevado a la potencia de tres = 'two to the power of three'). For mechanical or political power, potencia is preferred over poder, which is more general ('ability/power to do'). The adjective is potente (powerful).

Examples

"Este motor tiene mucha potencia."

Natural Translation

This engine has a lot of power.

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