dual-capability
|du-al-ca-pa-bil-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌduːəl ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/
🇬🇧
/ˈdjuːəl ˌkeɪpəˈbɪləti/
ability to operate in two modes
Etymology
'dual-capability' originates from modern English as a hyphenated compound of 'dual' and 'capability'; 'dual' ultimately from Latin 'dualis' (from 'duo' meaning 'two'), and 'capability' from Late Latin 'capabilitas' (from 'capere' meaning 'to take, seize').
'dualis' entered English as 'dual' in Early Modern English; 'capability' developed in English from 'capable' + '-ity' (via French and Latin). These elements combined in the 20th century to form the modern technical term 'dual-capability'.
Initially, it meant the 'ability to do two things,' and later specialized in defense contexts to denote 'ability to employ both conventional and nuclear options' while retaining the general sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of having two distinct functions or modes of operation.
The software’s dual-capability lets it run both locally and in the cloud.
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Noun 2
in defense and security contexts, the capability of a platform or system to employ both conventional and nuclear options.
The alliance is considering dual-capability for the next-generation fighter.
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Last updated: 2025/08/11 05:30