1. (

• authority ,
• authorization ,
• authorisation ,
• potency ,
• dominance ,
• say-so

) the power or right to give orders or make decisions; "he has the authority to issue warrants"; "deputies are given authorization to make arrests"; "a place of potency in the state" ;

2. (

• potency ,
• effectiveness ,
• strength ,

) capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects; "the toxin's potency"; "the strength of the drinks" ;

3. (

• potential ,
• potentiality ,
• potency ,

) the inherent capacity for coming into being ;

4. (

• potency ,
• potence

) the state of being potent; a male's capacity to have sexual intercourse ;