Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent: a potential problem.
Having possibility, capability, or power.
Grammar Of, relating to, or being a verbal construction with auxiliaries such as may or can; for example, it may snow.
n.
The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.
Something possessing the capacity for growth or development.
Grammar A potential verb form.
Physics The work required to move a unit of positive charge, a magnetic pole, or an amount of mass from a reference point to a designated point in a static electric, magnetic, or gravitational field; potential energy.
[Middle English potencial, from Old French potenciel, from Late Latin potentiālis, powerful, from Latin potentia, power, from potēns, potent-, present participle of posse, to be able; see potent.] po·ten'tial·ly adv.
[puh-ten-shuh-lee] 
ʃə