capa

Capa is a word in Spanish and Portuguese with several related meanings, including cape, cloak, cover, and a layer or stratified section. Its use spans everyday language, science, technology, and culture.

In clothing, a cape is a sleeveless outer garment that drapes over the shoulders and back, often worn for style, warmth, or ceremonial purposes. The term can refer to such garments in historical and modern contexts.

In science and geology, capa denotes a layer or stratum within a material or environment. For example, the ozone layer is commonly described in Spanish and Portuguese as la capa de ozono. In geology, rock or soil layers are likewise referred to as capas geológicas.

In information technology and computing, capa is used to describe layers within systems and architectures. The concept mirrors the English term “layer,” as in software architecture or network models. Common phrases include capa de presentación (presentation layer) and capa de red (network layer), reflecting a layered approach to design and communication.

Capa is also a surname and appears in the names of several individuals. The most famous bearer is Robert Capa (born Endre Friedmann, 1913–1954), a Hungarian-born photojournalist known for his war photography. He adopted the pseudonym Capa, which has since become associated with documentary photography and conflict reporting.

Etymology traces capa to Latin cappa/“hood, cape,” and the word has been incorporated into various Romance languages, where its core sense of covering or layering persists across different domains.