capo
UK[ˈkæpəʊ]US[ˈkæpoʊ]
n
a device clamped across the strings of a guitar or similar instrument to raise their pitch uniformly.
n
the head of a crime syndicate, especially in the mafia.
Etymology
the english word 'capo' is borrowed directly from italian, where it means "head" or "chief," derived from the latin 'caput' (head). in its musical sense, the term 'capotasto' (literally "head of the fretboard") was shortened, with the device acting as the metaphorical "head" that governs the pitch. in its organized crime sense, it was adopted from the italian mafia hierarchy, where a 'capo' is the head of a crew, directly continuing the latin concept of a leader or chief. both modern meanings preserve the core idea of a controlling or uppermost element from the original latin root.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from italian. as a simplex form, it is not productively segmented into smaller morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
he placed a capo on the third fret to play the song in a higher key.
the mafia capo was known for his strict control over the neighborhood.
using a capo allows guitarists to easily change the tonality of chords.