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.
Phrases and idioms:
measure of capacity a measure used for vessels and liquids or grains etc. to capacity fully; using all resources (working to capacity).
Derivatives:
capacitative adj. (also capacitive) (in sense 5).
Etymology: ME f. F f. L capacitas -tatis (as CAPACIOUS)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.