Yes, that's what I meant. You start out with more potential, and as you actualize it you have less potential and more that has happened.

An oocyte has even more potential. For instance, once a particular sperm is fused, the oocyte's potential is diminished. Oocytes are alive. But we don't worry very much about the loss of their potential.

Regarding a sharp legal definition, I suggested a couple that we could use in matters of law.