capital expenditure n: an amount paid out that creates a long-term benefit (as one lasting beyond the taxable year); esp: costs that are incurred in the acquisition or improvement of property (as capital assets) or that are otherwise chargeable to a capital account
◇ Capital expenditures are not deductible for income tax purposes. They are generally added to the property's basis.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.