term:

Capital Expenditure

capital expenditure n

: an amount paid out that creates a long-term benefit (as one lasting beyond the taxable year)
;esp
: costs that are incurred in the acquisition or improvement of property (as capital assets) or that are otherwise chargeable to a capital account NOTE: Capital expenditures are not deductible for income tax purposes. They are generally added to the property's basis.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.