'dual-capable' originates from English as a compound of 'dual' and 'capable', where 'dual' ultimately comes from Latin 'dualis' (from 'duo') meaning 'two', and 'capable' comes from Latin 'capax'/'capabilis' meaning 'able' or 'having capacity'.

'dual' entered English via Latin 'dualis' (from 'duo' meaning 'two'), while 'capable' came into English via Old French 'capable' from Latin 'capax'/'capabilis'; the modern compound 'dual-capable' is a recent English formation combining these elements to describe twofold ability.

Initially, the roots meant 'two' (dual) and 'able/holding capacity' (capable); over time they combined in modern English to mean 'able to do two things' or 'suitable for two uses'.