potential energy

noun

: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or nature or because of the arrangement of parts

Examples of potential energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In case of a ball thrown, minimized action is the sum over time of the difference between its kinetic and potential energy. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026

As protostellar growth continues, gravitational potential energy converts into heat. —Big Think, 20 Apr. 2026

Mikhail Metzel | Via Reuters Russia has offered to help China with any potential energy shortfall, as the war in the Middle East heightens geopolitical divisions and threatens global commodity supplies. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

That potential energy remains stored as tension until the circuit closes, and the electrons can flow through that circuit from the anode back to the cathode toward a lower-energy state. —Chelsea Haney april 10, New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potential energy

• bioenergy

Kids Definition

potential energy

noun

: the amount of energy a thing (as a weight raised to a height or a coiled spring) has because of its position or because of the arrangement of its parts

Medical Definition

potential energy

noun

: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or because of the arrangement of parts