cap·i·tate I. \ˈkapəˌtāt\adjective Etymology: Latin capitatus headed, from capit-, caput head + -atus -ate — more at head 1.alsocap·i·tat·ed\-ād.ə̇d\botany: forming a head < capitate inflorescence > < capitate flowers > 2.biology: abruptly enlarged and globose < a capitate stigma > < a capitate antenna > — see antenna illustration II. \ˈkapəˌtāt\noun (-s) Etymology: by shortening : capitatum