capacity

Main Entry:: ¹ca·pac·i·ty
Pronunciation:: \kə-ˈpa-sə-tē, -ˈpas-tē\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural ca·pac·i·ties
Etymology:: Middle English capacite, from Middle French capacité, from Latin capacitat-, capacitas, from capac-, capax
Date:: 15th century

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 table3 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

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