potter around vs putter

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

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

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

Other synonyms of potter around include potter, putter around.

potter around (noun)	putter (noun)
	the iron normally used on the putting green
	a golfer who is putting

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