To summarize or repeat the main points of something. At the end of the lecture, the professor recapitulated the key concepts for the students.
In biology, to repeat or reflect the evolutionary development of a species during embryonic or individual development. Some nineteenth-century biologists argued that an embryo recapitulates the evolutionary stages of its ancestors.
In music, to restate a primary theme or exposition later in a composition, especially in sonata form. The movement closes when the orchestra recapitulates the opening theme in a brighter key.