potential energy

noun Physics.
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.
Compare kinetic energy.


Origin:
1850–55

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
potential energy
 
n
E p, V, U, φ, PE the energy of a body or system as a result of its position in an electric, magnetic, or gravitational field. It is measured in joules (SI units), electronvolts, ergs, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Potential energy is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

potential energy n.
The energy that exists in a body as a result of its position or condition rather than of its motion.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
potential energy  
The energy possessed by a body as a result of its position or condition rather than its motion. A raised weight, coiled spring, or charged battery has potential energy. Compare kinetic energy.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary

potential energy definition


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.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Example sentences
At the top of the track, the car has potential energy.
Potential energy is stored energy--energy ready to go.
As the gases collect, they lose potential energy, which results in an increase
  in temperature.
The potential energy of the crystalline arrangement was lower than the
  potential energy of the random, relaxed arrangement.
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