n.
(pl. capacities)
- the maximum amount that something can contain or produce.
▸
[
as modifier]
fully occupying the available space:
a capacity crowd.
▸the total cylinder volume that is swept by the pistons in an internal-combustion engine.
- the ability or power to do something.
▸a person's legal competence.
- a specified role or position.
- dated electrical capacitance.
Derivative
- capacitive
(also capacitative)
adj. (chiefly Physics ).
Etymology
ME: from Fr. capacité, from L. capacitas, from capax, capac- ‘that can contain’, from capere ‘take or hold’.