capital

capital

capital¹ [kap′ət 'l]

adj.

[ME & OFr < L capitalis, of the head < caput, HEAD]

1. involving or punishable by death (originally by decapitation) [a capital offense]

2. most important or most serious; principal; chief [a capital virtue]

3. of most political importance, as being the seat of government [a capital city]

4. of or having to do with capital, or wealth

5. first-rate; excellent [a capital idea]: See also CAPITAL LETTER

n.

1. CAPITAL LETTER

2. a city or town that is the official seat of government of a state, nation, etc.

3. a city where a certain industry, activity, etc. is centered [the rubber capital]

4. wealth (money or property) owned or used in business by a person, corporation, etc.

5. an accumulated stock of such wealth or its value

6. wealth, in whatever form, used or capable of being used to produce more wealth

7. any source of benefit or assistance

8. [often C-] capitalists collectively: distinguished from LABOR

9. Accounting

a) the net worth of a business; amount by which the assets exceed the liabilities

b) the face value of all the stock issued or authorized by a corporation

SYN.- CHIEF

——————

make capital of

to make the most of; exploit

capital² [kap′ət 'l]

n.

[ME < OFr chapitel < L capitellum, dim. of caput, HEAD]

the top part of a column or pilaster: see COLUMN