*5. [[Physics]]. Designating a property or attribute that a [[body]] possesses by [[virtue]] of its position or [[state]], but which is only manifested or released under changed conditions. Chiefly in POTENTIAL [[ENERGY]] n. , potential temperature n. at Special uses. | *5. [[Physics]]. Designating a property or attribute that a [[body]] possesses by [[virtue]] of its position or [[state]], but which is only manifested or released under changed conditions. Chiefly in POTENTIAL [[ENERGY]] n. , potential temperature n. at Special uses. |