Indian traditions of grammar (Vyakarana) and philosophy of language developed a sophisticated vocabulary to describe how words function and relate to their meanings.
Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for the specific technical term for the inherent capacity or power of a word that allows it to denote or convey a particular meaning.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
The correct term is Shakti. In this context, Shakti literally translates to "power" or "capacity". It refers to the direct, conventional, and primary meaning-giving power of a word. For example, the word 'cow' has the Shakti to refer to the animal cow.
Let's look at the other terms:
- Shabda: Refers to the word itself, the sound-unit.
- Sphota: A more complex concept referring to the indivisible meaning-unit of an entire utterance, not just a single word's power.
- Vritti: A broader term for any "function" or "mode" of a word. Shakti is considered the primary Vritti (Abhidha Vritti), but there are others like Lakshana (implication) and Vyanjana (suggestion).
Thus, the specific power of a word to induce its meaning is Shakti.
Step 3: Final Answer
The technical term for the power of a word to convey meaning is Shakti.