(常作limitations)a limiting rule or circumstance; a restriction 限制 severe limitations on water use. 严格的用水限制。 ■a condition of limited ability; a defect or failing 缺陷,弱点 she knew her limitations better than she knew her worth. 她对自己的弱点了解得比优点还透彻。 ■[mass noun]the action of limiting something 控管,限制 the limitation of local authorities' powers. 对地方政府职权的限制。
(亦作limitation period)(Law)a legally specified period beyond which an action may be defeated or a property right is not to continue (律)追诉时效(指某一法定期限,如超出此期限可能败诉或财产权被吊销)。 见statute of limitations
语源
late Middle English: from Latin limitatio(n-), from the verb limitare (see limit)