com·pe·tence (kŏmˈpĭ-təns)

1. The quality of being competent or capable of performing an allotted function.
2. The quality or condition of being legally qualified to perform an act.
3. The mental ability to distinguish right from wrong and to manage one's own affairs.
4. The ability of a cell, especially a bacterial cell, to be genetically transformable.
5. The ability to respond immunologically to viruses or other antigenic agents.
6. Integrity, especially the normal tight closure of a cardiac valve.