<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the ability to receive or contain: This hotel has a large capacity.</li><li>the maximum amount or number that can be received or contained; cubic contents; volume: The inn is filled to capacity. The gasoline tank has a capacity of 20 gallons.</li><li>power of receiving impressions, knowledge, etc.; mental ability: the capacity to learn calculus.</li><li>actual or potential ability to perform, yield, or withstand: He has a capacity for hard work. The capacity of the oil well was 150 barrels a day. She has the capacity to go two days without sleep.</li><li>quality or state of being susceptible to a given treatment or action: Steel has a high capacity to withstand pressure.</li><li>position; function; role: He served in the capacity of legal adviser.</li><li>legal qualification.</li><li>Electricity: capacitance.</li><li>maximum possible output.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>reaching maximum capacity: a capacity audience; a capacity crowd.</li></ul>