potter around vs potter

potter around is not a noun while potter is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
potter around	No	No	Yes	No
potter	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, potter around and potter are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of potter around include putter, putter around.

potter around (noun)	potter (noun)
	a craftsman who shapes pottery on a potter's wheel and bakes them in a kiln

potter around (verb)	potter (verb)
move around aimlessly	move around aimlessly
	do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly
	work lightly