kəˈpæsɪtɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
the power of containing, receiving, experiencing, or producing (capacity
for heat,
pain , etc.). b the
maximum amount that can be contained or produced etc. c the
volume, e.g. of the cylinders in an internal-combustion
engine. d (attrib.)
fully occupying the
available space, resources, etc. (a capacity audience). 2 a
mental power. b a
faculty or
talent. 3 a
position or
function (in a
civil capacity; in my capacity as a critic). 4
legal competence. 5 Electr.
capacitance. ømeasure of capacity a
measure used for vessels
and liquids or grains etc. to capacity fully; using
all resources (working to capacity). øøcapacitative adj. (also capacitive) (in
sense 5). [ME f. F f. L capacitas -tatis (as CAPACIOUS)]