cap

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

: a natural cover or top: as

a : an overlying rock layer that is usually hard to penetrate

b (1) : pileus (2) : calyptra

c : the top of a bird's head or a patch of distinctively colored feathers in this area

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 (as a water pipe or electric conduit)

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

²cap

verb

cappedcap·ping

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 <the mountains were capped with mist — John Buchan>

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

Examples of CAP

1. a pipe capped at one end
2. Be sure to cap the pen when you are done using it.
3. The report caps a ten-year study of lung cancer among nonsmokers.
4. a concert capped by a fantastic fireworks display
5. If the teams don't cap player salaries, the league won't survive.
6. The law would cap legal immigration.
7. The government wants to cap councils that spend too much.

First Known Use of CAP

15th century

Related to CAP

Synonyms

limit, circumscribe, confine, hold down, restrict

Antonyms

exceed

Related Words

bar, block, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct; constrict, contract, lessen, narrow, pinch, squeeze, tighten; quell, repress, suppress; number; modify, qualify

Near Antonyms

broaden, expand, widen; overextend, overreach

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

Definition of CAP

: capitalization 1d

First Known Use of CAP

1982

⁵cap

abbreviation

Definition of CAP

1

capacity

2

capital

3

capitalize; capitalized

Other Electrical Engineering Terms

feedback, fuse, incandescent, noise, resonance

CAP

abbreviation

Definition of CAP

1

Civil Air Patrol

2

combat air patrol

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical