[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

capacity \capac"ity\ k.apa^s"i^ty^, n.; pl.
   capacities -ti^z. l. capacitus, fr. capax, capacis;
   fr. f. capacit'e. see capacious.
   1. the power of receiving or containing; extent of room or
      space; passive power; -- used in reference to physical
      things.
      1913 webster

            had our great palace the capacity
            to camp this host, we all would sup together.
                                                  --shak.
      1913 webster

            the capacity of the exhausted cylinder. --boyle.
      1913 webster

   2. the power of receiving and holding ideas, knowledge, etc.;
      the comprehensiveness of the mind; the receptive faculty;
      capability of understanding or feeling.
      1913 webster

            capacity is now properly limited to these the mere
            passive operations of the mind; its primary
            signification, which is literally room for, as well
            as its employment, favors this; although it can not
            be denied that there are examples of its usage in an
            active sense.                         --sir w.
                                                  hamilton.
      1913 webster

   3. ability; power pertaining to, or resulting from, the
      possession of strength, wealth, or talent; possibility of
      being or of doing.
      1913 webster

            the capacity of blessing the people.  --alex.
                                                  hamilton.
      1913 webster

            a cause with such capacities endued.  --blackmore.
      1913 webster

   4. outward condition or circumstances; occupation;
      profession; character; position; as, to work in the
      capacity of a mason or a carpenter.
      1913 webster

   5. law legal or moral qualification, as of age, residence,
      character, etc., necessary for certain purposes, as for
      holding office, for marrying, for making contracts, wills,
      etc.; legal power or right; competency.
      1913 webster

   capacity for heat, the power of absorbing heat. substances
      differ in the amount of heat requisite to raise them a
      given number of thermometric degrees, and this difference
      is the measure of, or depends upon, what is called their
      capacity for heat. see specific heat, under heat.

   syn: ability; faculty; talent; capability; skill; efficiency;
        cleverness. see ability.
        1913 webster
see also:
capacities capacious capacity for heat specific heat heat ability 

Capacities >> C Words
Capacities, definition of term: Capacities
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