capsicum

American  

[kap-si-kuhm] / ˈkæp sɪ kəm /

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.

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capsicum British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of capsicum

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

Example Sentences

It said average prices for fruit and vegetables dipped 12% with berries, lettuce, cucumbers, capsicum, and tomatoes all declining "materially", the company said.

From Reuters • Oct. 25, 2023

Diets following this pattern should deliver ample iron from meats, breads and cereals, as well as iron absorption promotors such as oranges, capsicum and other fresh fruits and vegetables?.

From Salon • Sep. 13, 2023

The board first voted in early 2019 to ban probation officers from deploying pepper spray, also known as oleoresin capsicum or OC spray.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2023

Try spritzing the exposed wood and nearby painted areas with something rich in capsicum, the fire in red pepper.

From Washington Post • May 31, 2022

A little hot ginger tea, or capsicum tea, may do all that is required.

From Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why What Medical Writers Say by Allen, Martha Meir