First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1capacity
noun ca·pac·i·ty \kə-ˈpa-sə-tē, -ˈpas-tē\
: the ability to hold or contain people or things
: the largest amount or number that can be held or contained
: the ability to do something : a mental, emotional, or physical ability
plural ca·pac·i·ties
Full Definition of CAPACITY
1
: legal competency or fitness <capacity to stand trial>
2
a : the potential or suitability for holding, storing, or accommodating <a large seating capacity> b : the maximum amount or number that can be contained or accommodated <a jug with a one-gallon capacity> <the auditorium was filled to capacity> — see metric system table, weight table
3
5
: the facility or power to produce, perform, or deploy : capability <a plan to double the factory's capacity>; also : maximum output <industries running at three-quarter capacity>
6
a : capacitance b : the quantity of electricity that a battery can deliver under specified conditions
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Origin of CAPACITY
Middle English capacite, from Middle French capacité, from Latin capacitat-, capacitas, from capac-, capax
Related to CAPACITY
- Synonyms
- complement, cubage, real estate, volume
2capacity
adjective
Definition of CAPACITY
: equaling maximum capacity <a capacity crowd>
First Known Use of CAPACITY
1897
CAPACITY Defined for Kids
capacity
noun ca·pac·i·ty \kə-ˈpa-sə-tē\
plural ca·pac·i·ties
Definition of CAPACITY for Kids
1
: ability to contain or deal with something <The room has a large seating capacity.> <Factories are working to capacity.>
2
: mental or physical power <You have the capacity to do better.>
3
: volume 3 <The tank has a ten-gallon capacity.>
Medical Dictionary
capacity
noun ca·pac·i·ty \kə-ˈpas-ət-ē, -ˈpas-tē\
plural ca·pac·i·ties
Medical Definition of CAPACITY
1
a : the ability to hold, receive, store, or accommodate b : a measure of content : the measured ability to contain : volume <a beaker with a capacity of one liter>—see vital capacity c (1) : capacitance (2) : the quantity of electricity that a battery can deliver under specified conditions
2
: legal qualification, competency, power, or fitness
3
a : power to grasp and analyze ideas and cope with problems b : blended power, strength, and ability <encourage physical activity to the limit of the child's capacity—Morris Fishbein>
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