ca·pac·i·ty
(k
-p
s
-t
)
KEY
NOUN:
pl.
ca·pac·i·ties
-
- The ability to receive, hold, or absorb.
-
Abbr.
c.
A measure of this ability; volume.
- The maximum amount that can be contained:
a trunk filled to capacity.
-
- Ability to perform or produce; capability.
- The maximum or optimum amount that can be produced:
factories operating below capacity.
- The power to learn or retain knowledge; mental ability.
- Innate potential for growth, development, or accomplishment; faculty. See Synonyms at ability.
- The quality of being suitable for or receptive to specified treatment:
the capacity of elastic to be stretched.
- The position in which one functions; role:
in your capacity as sales manager.
- Legal qualification or authority:
the capacity to make an arrest.
-
Electricity
Capacitance.
ADJECTIVE:
- Filling a space with the most it can hold:
a capacity crowd at the concert.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
capacite, from Old French, from Latin
cap
cits, from
capx
, capc-,
spacious ; see
capacious
