Capacity

Etymology

Middle English capacite, from Middle French capacité, from Latin capacitat-, capacitas, from capac-, capax

• Date: 15th century

Definitions

• 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>

• 3 a : an individual's mental or physical ability : aptitude, skill

b : the faculty or potential for treating, experiencing, or appreciating <capacity for love>

• 4 : duty, position, role <will be happy to serve in any capacity>
• 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