Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Capacity
Ca-pac′i-ty
(kȧ-păs′ĭ-ty̆)
, Noun.
pl.
Capacities
(-tĭz)
. 1.
The power of receiving or containing; extent of room or space; passive power; – used in reference to physical things.
Had our great palace the
To camp this host, we all would sup together.
capacity
To camp this host, we all would sup together.
Shakespeare
The
capacity
of the exhausted cylinder. Boyle.
2.
The power of receiving and holding ideas, knowledge, etc.; the comprehensiveness of the mind; the receptive faculty; capability of understanding or feeling.
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.
3.
Ability; power pertaining to, or resulting from, the possession of strength, wealth, or talent; possibility of being or of doing.
The
capacity
of blessing the people. Alex. Hamilton.
A cause with such
capacities
endued. Blackmore.
4.
Outward condition or circumstances; occupation; profession; character; position;
as, to work in the
. capacity
of a mason or a carpenter5.
(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.
Syn. – Ability; faculty; talent; capability; skill; efficiency; cleverness. See
Ability
. Webster 1828 Edition
Capacity
CAPACITY
, n.1.
Passive power; the power of containing, or holding; extent of room or space; as the capacity of a vessel, or a cask.2.
The extent or comprehensiveness of the mind; the power of receiving ideas or knowledge.Let instruction be adapted to the capacities of youth.
3.
Active power; ability; applied to men or things; but less common, and correct.The world does not include a cause endued with such capacities.
4.
State; condition; character; profession; occupation. A man may act in the capacity of a mechanic, of a friend, of an attorney, or of a statesman. He may have a natural or a political capacity.5.
Ability, in a moral or legal sense; qualification; legal power or right; as, a man or a corporation may have a capacity to give or receive and hold estate.6.
In geometry, the solid contents of a body.7.
In chimistry, that state, quality or constitution of bodies, by which they absorb and contain, or render latent, any fluid; as the capacity of water for caloric.