the ability to receive or contain: This hotel has a large capacity.
2.
the maximum amount or number that can be received or contained; cubic contents; volume: The inn is filled to capacity. The gasoline tank has a capacity of 20 gallons.
3.
power of receiving impressions, knowledge, etc.; mental ability: the capacity to learn calculus.
4.
actual or potential ability to perform, yield, or withstand: He has a capacity for hard work. The capacity of the oil well was 150 barrels a day. She has the capacity to go two days without sleep.
5.
quality or state of being susceptible to a given treatment or action: Steel has a high capacity to withstand pressure.
6.
position; function; role: He served in the capacity of legal adviser.
reaching maximum capacity: a capacity audience; a capacity crowd.
[Origin: 1375–1425; late ME capacite < MF < L capācitāt- (s. of capācitās), equiv. to capāci-, s. of capāx roomy (cap(ere) to hold + -āci- adj. suffix) + -tāt--ty2]
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Audio Help [kuh-pas-i-tee] Pronunciation Key noun, plural -ties, adjective 