| the energy of a body or a system with respect to the position of the body or the arrangement of the particles of the system. |
| potential energy n. The energy of a particle or system of particles derived from position, or condition, rather than motion. A raised weight, coiled spring, or charged battery has potential energy. |
The energy an object has because of its position, rather than its motion. An object held in a person's hand has potential energy, which turns to kinetic energy — the energy of motion — when the person lets it go, and it drops to the ground.
potential energy n.
The energy that exists in a body as a result of its position or condition rather than of its motion.
