1) the quality or state of not being potent <drug-resistant bacteria are a virulent indicator of the growing \impotence of antibiotics>
2) an abnormal physical or psychological state of a male characterized by inability to copulate because of failure to have or maintain an erection called also erectile dysfunction
* * *
n.
inability in a man to have sexual intercourse. Impotence may be erectile, in which the penis does not become firm enough to enter the vagina, or ejaculatory, in which penetration occurs but there is no ejaculation of semen (orgasm). Either of these kinds of impotence may be due to a physical disease, such as diabetes (organic), or to a psychological or emotional problem (psychogenic). Treatment is by means of a penile prosthesis or injection into the corpora cavernosa of the penis (e.g. alprostadil). sildenafil is an orally administered drug that improves blood flow to the penis.
* * *
im·po·tence (imґpə-təns) [in-2 + potentia] 1. lack of power. 2. specifically, lack of copulative power in the male due to inability to initiate an erection or to maintain an erection until ejaculation; usually classified as either psychogenic i. or organic i. Called also erectile dysfunction.Medical dictionary. 2011.