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POWER

In general, the ability to do or perform something. Also called the principle of the effect, and as such is applicable to God and to creatures. More particularly, created power is the immediate principle by which a nature is directly, essentially, and permanently ordered to a definite function or specific operation. (Etym. Latin posse, to be able; potentia, power, the ability to be or become or do something.)

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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