competence /kom″pətəns/ [L, competentia, capable] , 1. (in embryology) the total capacity of an embryonic cell to react to determinative stimuli in various ways of differentiation. 2. the ability of bacteria to take up donor deoxyribonucleic acid molecules. 3. an expected standard of skill and knowledge by a health care professional. 4. the ability of a patient to manage activities of daily living.
