capital

In architecture, a stone placed on the top of a column, pier, or pilaster, and usually wider on the upper surface than the diameter of the supporting shaft. It comes directly below the entablature (architrave, frieze, and cornice) and/or the lintel (top of a door or window frame). A capital consists of three parts: the top member, called the abacus, a block that acts as the supporting surface to the superstructure; the middle portion, known as the bell or echinus; and the lower part, called the necking or astragal.

There are three basic types of capital, each originating with the ancient Greeks: the Doric; the Ionic, which is a scroll-like design; and the Corinthian, which is very ornate in style.

capital

In economics, the stock of goods used in the production of other goods. Classical economics regards capital as a factor of production, distinguishing between financial capital and physical capital. Financial capital is accumulated or inherited wealth held in the form of assets, such as stocks and shares, property, and bank deposits, while physical capital is wealth in the form of physical assets such as machinery and plant. The term is also used to describe investment in a company as either share capital or debt (called loan capital).

Fixed capital is durable, examples being factories, offices, plant, and machinery. Circulating capital is capital that is used up quickly, such as raw materials, components, and stocks of finished goods waiting for sale. Private capital is usually owned by individuals and private business organizations. Social capital is usually owned by the state and is the infrastructure of the economy, such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals. Human capital is what enables people to earn a living, and may be enhanced by better education, training, and health care. Investment is the process of adding to the capital stock of a nation or business.

capital

In a country, the city where the government headquarters are. The capital is usually the most important and largest city in a country; for example, London. This is not the case in the USA and Canada. Some countries have moved the seat of government to reduce strain on the largest city's infrastructure; for example, Brasília is the specially built capital of Brazil. In economics, capital refers to money, especially as used for investment.