-acia

quality or state

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A working water filter visibly turns muddy incoming water into clear outgoing water, demonstrating its ability to achieve the intended result.

noun

efficacy

EF-i-kuh-see/ˈefɪkəsi/

The ability to produce a desired result.

Etymology

efLatinout, away; also thoroughly

+ficLatindo, make

+acyLatinquality or state

“Out” and “make” combine in Latin efficere, meaning to work out or accomplish. Efficacy is therefore the capacity to carry something through to its intended result, rather than merely to act.

Full entry

Related word entries

efficacy