The quark‐antiquark potential in QCD is discussed with particular emphasis on the related &bgr;‐function. The empirical information about the potential at intermediate distances, due to the &PSgr;‐ and &Ugr;‐spectroscopies, is reviewed. Finally we examine the quantitative connection between the &zgr;‐spectroscopy, formed by the anticipated t‐quark and its antiquark, and the short distance behavior of the quark‐antiquark potential.