First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1cap
noun, often attributive \ˈkap\
Definition of CAP
1
a : a head covering especially with a visor and no brim b : a distinctive head covering emblematic of a position or office: as (1) : a cardinal's biretta (2) : mortarboard
2
3
a : something that serves as a cover or protection especially for a tip, knob, or end <a bottle cap> b : a fitting for closing the end of a tube c British : cervical cap d : an artificial crown for a tooth
4
: an overlaying or covering structure
5
: a paper or metal container holding an explosive charge (as for a toy pistol)
6
: an upper limit (as on expenditures) : ceiling
7
: the symbol ∩ indicating the intersection of two sets — compare cup 9
8
: a cluster of molecules or chemical groups bound to one end or a region of a cell, virus, or molecule
— cap in hand
: in a respectful, humble, or sometimes fearful manner
Origin of CAP
Middle English cappe, from Old English cæppe, from Late Latin cappa head covering, cloak
Other Clothing Terms
2cap
verb
: to cover the top or end of (something) : to put a cap on (something)
: to end (something) in usually an exciting or impressive way
: to follow (something) with something that is better, worse, etc.
cappedcap·ping
Full Definition of CAP
transitive verb
1
a : to provide or protect with a cap b : to give a cap to as a symbol of honor, rank, or achievement
2
: to form a cap over : crown <mountains capped with mist>
3
a : to follow with something more noticeable or more significant : outdo b : to bring to a climax or conclusion <cap off the show with a song>
4
: to form a chemical cap on
5
: to prevent from growing or spreading : set an upper limit on <cap oil prices>
6
: to supply (a tooth) with an artificial crown
intransitive verb
: to form or produce a chemical cap
See cap defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CAP
15th century
3cap
noun
Definition of CAP
: a small amount of an illegal or legally regulated drug; especially : a small amount of a drug enclosed in a capsule
Origin of CAP
short for capsule
First Known Use: 1942
4cap
noun
5cap
abbreviation
Definition of CAP
1
capacity
2
capital
3
capitalize; capitalized
Other Electrical Engineering Terms
CAP
abbreviation
Definition of CAP
1
Civil Air Patrol
2
combat air patrol
CAP Defined for Kids
1cap
noun \ˈkap\
Definition of CAP for Kids
1
: a head covering and especially one having a visor and no brim
2
: something that serves as a cover or protection for something <a bottle cap>
3
: a part that forms the top of something <a mushroom cap>
4
: an upper limit <a cap on spending>
5
: a paper or metal container holding a small explosive charge <The toy pistol shoots caps.>
2cap
verb
cappedcap·ping
Definition of CAP for Kids
1
: to cover or provide with a top or cover <Please remember to cap the marker.> <The mountaintops are capped with snow.>
2
: to bring to a high point or end <He capped off the show with a song.>
3
: to match or follow with something equal or better <She capped his joke with one of her own.>
4
: to put an upper limit on <Attendance is capped at 80 participants.>
Learn More About CAP
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