Po-TEY-tion, po-TAH-tion. Actually, “potation” has nothing to do with potatoes (and the former is the correct pronunciation). The Latin verb “potare” means “to drink,” and that turned into “potation” in Old French and then Middle English. The modern definition of “potation” is “a drink,” or “the action of drinking alcohol.” Bartender’s choice when you ask for a potation at your favorite watering hole.