capacity

ca-pac-i-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The maximum amount that something can contain.

  2. 2.

    The ability or power to do, experience, or understand something.

  3. 3.

    A role or position.

  4. 4.

    The amount that a factory or machine can produce.

Forms

plural: capacities

Phrases & expressions

  • at capacity — completely full
  • in one's capacity as — in one's role as
  • full capacity — maximum production or occupancy
  • carrying capacity — maximum load or population that can be sustained

Related words

Etymology

From Latin capacitas meaning "breadth, capacity," from capax meaning "able to hold much," from capere meaning "to take, hold."