capsicum

[ kap-si-kuhm ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Capsicum, of the nightshade family, as C. annuum, the common pepper of the garden, occurring in many varieties.
2. the fruit of such a plant or some preparation of it, used as a condiment and intestinal stimulant.

capsicum

/ ˈkæpsɪkəm /

noun

1. any tropical American plant of the solanaceous genus Capsicum, such as C. frutescens, having mild or pungent seeds enclosed in a pod-shaped or bell-shaped fruit
2. the fruit of any of these plants, used as a vegetable or ground to produce a condiment

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsicum¹

1655–65; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin caps ( a ) case ² + -icum, neuter of -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsicum¹

C18: from New Latin, from Latin capsa box, case ²

Example Sentences

Capsicum annuum Black Pearl, a pepper that doesn’t look like a pepper, also made its way into the garden, likewise started from seed.

From Seattle Times

All of these dishes have in common the humble pepper plant, or Capsicum spp.

From New York Times

Capsicum spray was used to disperse the crowd with paramedics assessing a protester’s eyes.

From The Guardian

According to the District Attorney's Office, video evidence and witness statements show Officer Nicoletti assaulting three peaceful protesters with Oleoresin Capsicum spray, or “OC” spray, as they sat on the highway.

From Fox News

Different varieties of the same species replace each other among the kidney beans, lima beans, the chili pepper Capsicum annuum / chinense, and the squash Cucurbita pepo.

From Literature