adjective

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

Etymology: ME & OFr < L capitalis, of the head < caput, head

noun

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. capitalists collectively
9. Accounting
   1. the net worth of a business; amount by which the assets exceed the liabilities
   2. the face value of all the stock issued or authorized by a corporation

noun

Etymology: ME < OFr chapitel < L capitellum, dim. of caput, head