C. is a process whereby the glycoprotein coat is modified and seminal proteins are removed from the surface of the sperm. There are no morphologic changes. C. occurs in in vitro fertilization; after c., the acrosomal reaction can occur. [L. capacitas, fr. capax, capable of]
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ca·pac·i·ta·tion kə-.pas-ə-'tā-shən n the change undergone by sperm in the female reproductive tract that enables them to penetrate and fertilize an egg
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ca·pac·i·ta·tion (kə-pas″ĭ-taґshən) the process by which spermatozoa in the ampullary portion of a uterine tube become capable of going through the acrosomal reaction and fertilizing an oocyte.Medical dictionary. 2011.