text: a·bil·i·ty (ə-bĭl'ĭ-tē) \nn., pl. -ties.\nThe quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.\nA natural or acquired skill or talent.\nThe quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment; capacity: the ability of a computer to be configured for use as a file server. See Usage Note at able.\n[Middle English abilite, from Old French habilite, from Latin habilitās, from habilis, handy. See able.]\n\nca·pa·bil·i·ty (kā'pə-bĭl'ĭ-tē) \nn., pl. -ties.\nThe quality of being capable; ability.\nA talent or ability that has potential for development or use. Often used in the plural: a student of great capabilities.\nThe capacity to be used, treated, or developed for a specific purpose: nuclear capability.\n\ncom·pe·tence (kŏm'pĭ-təns) \nn.\n\nThe state or quality of being adequately or well qualified; ability. See synonyms at ability.\nA specific range of skill, knowledge, or ability.\nLaw. The quality or condition of being legally qualified to perform an act.\nSufficient means for a comfortable existence.\nMicrobiology. The ability of bacteria to be genetically transformable.\nMedicine. The ability to respond immunologically to bacteria, viruses, or other antigenic agents.\nLinguistics. The knowledge that enables one to produce and comprehend a language.