powerful

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having great power or force or potency or effect

   the most powerful government in western Europe

2. 2
   adj

   (of a person) possessing physical strength and weight

   rugged and powerful

3. 3
   adj

   Having, or capable of exerting, power or influence.

   The powerful grace that lies / In herbs, plants, stones, and their true qualities.

4. 4
   adj

   Leading to many or important deductions.

   a powerful set of postulates

5. 5
   adv

   very; extremely

   "She was stinkin' hot down here that summer, an' we were powerful dry."

6. 6
   adj

   displaying superhuman strength or power

7. 7
   adj

   having great influence

8. 8
   adj

   strong enough to knock down or overwhelm

Etymology

From Middle English pouerful, powarfull. By surface analysis, power + -ful.