potential (redirected from Potential/temp)

potential /po·ten·tial/ (po-ten´shal)

1. existing and ready for action, but not active.

2. the work per unit charge necessary to move a charged body in an electric field from a reference point to another point, measured in volts.

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action potential  (AP) the electrical activity developed in a muscle or nerve cell during activity.

after-potential  afterpotential.

electric potential , electrical potential potential (2).

evoked potential  (EP) the electrical signal recorded from a sensory receptor, nerve, muscle, or area of the central nervous system that has been stimulated, usually by electricity.

membrane potential  the electric potential existing on the two sides of a membrane or across the cell wall.

resting potential  the potential difference across the membrane of a normal cell at rest.

spike potential  the initial, very large change in potential of an excitable cell membrane during excitation.

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po·ten·tial (p-tnshl)

adj.

Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent.

n.

1. The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.

2. The work required to bring a unit electric charge, magnetic pole, or mass from an infinitely distant position to a designated point in a static electric, magnetic, or gravitational field, respectively.

3. The potential energy of a unit charge at any point in an electric circuit measured with respect to a specified reference point in the circuit or to ground; voltage.

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potential

1. existing and ready for action, but not active.

2. electric tension or pressure.

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action potential

see action potential.

after-potential

the period following termination of the spike potential.

membrane potential

see membrane potential.

resting potential

the potential difference across the membrane of a normal cell at rest.

spike potential

the initial, very large change in potential of an excitable cell membrane during excitation.

zeta potential

a net negative charge.