Definition of potentate

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< potent

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po·ten·tate    (ptn-tt) KEY 

NOUN:

1. One who has the power and position to rule over others; a monarch.
2. One who dominates or leads a group or an endeavor: industrial potentates.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English potentat, from Old French, from Late Latin potenttus, from Latin, power, from potns, present participle of posse, to be able ; see potent