online medical dictionary | definition of aptitude

1. A natural or acquired disposition or capacity for a particular purpose, or tendency to a particular action or effect; as, oil has an aptitude to burn. "He seems to have had a peculiar aptitude for the management of irregular troops." (Macaulay)

2. A general fitness or suitableness; adaptation. "That sociable and helpful aptitude which God implanted between man and woman." (Milton)

3. Readiness in learning; docility; aptness. "He was a boy of remarkable aptitude." (Macaulay)

Origin: F. Aptitude, LL. Aptitudo, fr. L. Aptus. See Apt, and cf. Attitude.

(01 Mar 1998)