competence

noun com·pe·tence \ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s\

: the ability to do something well : the quality or state of being competent

Full Definition of COMPETENCE

: a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life <provided his family with a comfortable competence — Rex Ingamells>

: the quality or state of being competent: as

a : the properties of an embryonic field that enable it to respond in a characteristic manner to an organizer

b : readiness of bacteria to undergo genetic transformation

: the knowledge that enables a person to speak and understand a language — compare performance 6

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First Known Use of COMPETENCE

1605

Related to COMPETENCE

Synonyms: capability, capableness, capacity, ability, competency, faculty

Antonyms: disability, inability, incapability, incapableness, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, ineptness

Other Embryology Terms

gravid, neonate, ontogeny, parturition

COMPETENCE Defined for Kids

competence

noun com·pe·tence \ˈkäm-pə-təns\

Definition of COMPETENCE for Kids

: the quality or state of being capable

Medical Dictionary

competence

noun com·pe·tence \ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s\

Medical Definition of COMPETENCE

: the quality or state of being functionally adequate <drugs that improve the competence of a failing heart>: as a : the properties of an embryonic field that enable it to respond in a characteristic manner to an organizer b : readiness of bacteria to undergo genetic transformation