'potential function' definitions:

Definition of 'potential function'

From: GCIDE

Potential \Po*ten"tial\, n.
1. Anything that may be possible; a possibility; potentially. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
2. (Math.) In the theory of gravitation, or of other forces acting in space, a function of the rectangular coordinates which determine the position of a point, such that its differential coefficients with respect to the coordinates are equal to the components of the force at the point considered; -- also called potential function, or {force function}. It is called also Newtonian potential when the force is directed to a fixed center and is inversely as the square of the distance from the center. [1913 Webster]
3. (Elec.) The energy of an electrical charge measured by its power to do work; hence, the degree of electrification as referred to some standard, as that of the earth; electro-motive force. [1913 Webster]