per cap·i·ta \pə(r)ˈkapəd.ə, ˌpərˈk-, pə̄ˈk-, -pətə\adverb (or adjective) Etymology: Latin by heads 1.: per unit of population : by or for each person < the heaviest debt per capita and in proportion to wealth in the union — D.Y.Thomas > < per capita consumption > < per capita tax > 2.: equally to each individual — used of the sharing of an inheritance; compare per stirpes