Definition of "plenipotentiary" [plen•i•po•ten•ti•a•ry]

• Invested with or conferring full powers: a plenipotentiary deputy. (adjective)
• A diplomatic agent, such as an ambassador, fully authorized to represent his or her government. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The word plenipotentiary is not the right word to describe Dawkins comment that extraterrestrials are a better explanation of the universe than God."
• "It certainly does mean minister, but only a Minister of State, which a minister plenipotentiary is not."
• "Not that it would upset Alex-my husband, that is, the plenipotentiary-to be hailed as the rightful King when he returns."