microcapsule

[ mahy-kroh-kap-suhl, -sool, -syool ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a tiny capsule, 20–150 microns in diameter, used for slow-release application of drugs, pesticides, flavors, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microcapsule¹

First recorded in 1960–65; micro- + capsule

Example Sentences

When tested on corn plants for six days, silk-based microcapsule spray damaged the plants less than an existing commercial product.

From Scientific American

Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.

From The Verge

"Microcapsule solvents like we've developed can do that, we hope, at lower energy use and capital cost, about 40% lower than the current methods."

From BBC

One advantage of the microcapsule approach is that recovery of the captured carbon is done by heating the baking soda solution, and that means the scientists get a more pure form of the gas - which increases its value for other industries.

From BBC

In one incarnation, each microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid.

From Project Gutenberg