potentiation
|po-ten-ti-a-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌpoʊ.tən.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌpəʊ.tən.ʃiˈeɪ.(ʃ)ən/
increase in power/effect
Etymology
'potentiation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'potentia', where the root 'potent-' meant 'power' and the suffix '-ation' indicated an action or process. (Formed in English by combining these elements.)
'potentiation' changed from Late Latin 'potentiationem' (accusative of 'potentiatio') and entered scientific and technical English usage through Medieval and Early Modern Latin developments, becoming the modern English 'potentiation'.
Initially it referred broadly to 'the state or quality of being powerful' from Latin 'potentia', but over time it evolved into the current specialized senses of 'the act/process of increasing power or effect' and specific scientific usages (e.g., pharmacology, neuroscience).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in pharmacology or biochemistry, an increase in the effect of one drug or chemical when another is present (the enhancement of effect by interaction).
The potentiation of the drug's sedative effects by the alcohol made the combination dangerous.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
in neuroscience, a strengthening of synaptic transmission (e.g., long-term potentiation, a lasting increase in synaptic strength following stimulation).
Long-term potentiation in the hippocampus is considered a cellular mechanism underlying learning and memory.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
the act or process of making something more potent, powerful, or effective; general intensification.
The potentiation of the company's marketing strategy led to higher sales.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 08:47