a. [ F. impotent, L. impotens, -entis; pref. im- not + potens potent, powerful. See Potent. ] 1. Not potent; wanting power, strength. or vigor. whether physical, intellectual, or moral; deficient in capacity; destitute of force; weak; feeble; infirm. [ 1913 Webster ] There sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent inhis feet. Acts xiv. 8. [ 1913 Webster ] O most lame and impotent conclusion! Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Not slow to hear, Nor impotent to save. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Wanting the power of self-restraint; incontrolled; ungovernable; violent. [ 1913 Webster ] Impotent of tongue, her silence broke. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Med.) Wanting the power of procreation; unable to copulate; also, sometimes, sterile; barren; specifically, in males: unable to achieve or sustain a penile erection. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ] |