competence
[ kom-pi-tuh ns ]
/ ˈkɒm pɪ təns /
noun
Origin of competence
First recorded in 1585–95;
compet(ent) +
-ence
Words nearby competence
Example sentences from the Web for competence
British Dictionary definitions for competence
competence
/ (ˈkɒmpɪtəns) /
noun
the condition of being capable; ability
a sufficient income to live on
the state of being legally competent or qualified
embryol
the ability of embryonic tissues to react to external conditions in a way that influences subsequent development
linguistics
(in transformational grammar) the form of the human language faculty, independent of its psychological embodiment in actual human beings
Compare performance (def. 7), langue, parole (def. 5)
Medical definitions for competence
competence
[ kŏm′pĭ-təns ]
n.
The quality of being competent or capable of performing an allotted function.
The quality or condition of being legally qualified to perform an act.
The mental ability to distinguish right from wrong and to manage one's own affairs.
The ability of a cell, especially a bacterial cell, to be genetically transformable.
The ability to respond immunologically to viruses or other antigenic agents.
Integrity, especially the normal tight closure of a cardiac valve.
Scientific definitions for competence
competence
[ kŏm′pĭ-təns ]
The ability of bacteria to be undergo genetic transformation.
The ability to respond immunologically to an antigen, as in an immune cell responding to a virus.
The ability to function normally because of structural integrity, as in a heart valve.