capsule

[ kap-suhl, -sool, -syool ]

noun

1. Pharmacology. a gelatinous case enclosing a dose of medicine.
2. Biology.
   1. a membranous sac or integument.
   2. either of two strata of white matter in the cerebrum.
   3. the sporangium of various spore-producing organisms, such as ferns, mosses, algae, and fungi.
3. Botany. a dry dehiscent fruit, composed of two or more carpels.
4. a small case, envelope, or covering.
5. Also called space capsule. Aerospace. a sealed cabin, container, or vehicle in which a person or animal can ride in flight in space or at very high altitudes within the earth's atmosphere.
6. Aviation. a similar cabin in a military aircraft, which can be ejected from the aircraft in an emergency.
7. a thin metal covering for the mouth of a corked bottle.
8. a concise report; brief outline:

   An appendix to the book contains biographical capsules of the contributors.

verb (used with object)

, cap·suled, cap·sul·ing.

1. to furnish with or enclose in or as if in a capsule; encapsulate.
2. to capsulize.

adjective

1. small and compact.
2. short and concise; brief and summarized:

   a capsule report.

3. containing only the most essential and versatile items of a particular kind:

   capsule wardrobe;

   capsule pantry.

capsule

/ ˈkæpsjuːl /

noun

1. a soluble case of gelatine enclosing a dose of medicine
2. a thin metal cap, seal, or cover, such as the foil covering the cork of a wine bottle
3. botany
   1. a dry fruit that liberates its seeds by splitting, as in the violet, or through pores, as in the poppy
   2. the spore-producing organ of mosses and liverworts
4. bacteriol a gelatinous layer of polysaccharide or protein surrounding the cell wall of some bacteria: thought to be responsible for the virulence in pathogens
5. anatomy
   1. a cartilaginous, fibrous, or membranous envelope surrounding any of certain organs or parts
   2. a broad band of white fibres ( internal capsule ) near the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere
6. See space capsule
7. an aeroplane cockpit that can be ejected in a flight emergency, complete with crew, instruments, etc
8. modifier in a highly concise form

   a capsule summary

9. modifier (in the fashion industry) consisting of a few important representative items

   a capsule collection

capsule

/ kăp′səl,-so̅o̅l /

1. A dry dehiscent fruit that develops from two or more carpels, as in the poppy and the cottonwood tree.
2. The sporangium (the hollow spore-producing structure) of mosses and other bryophytes.
3. The outer layer of viscous polysaccharide or polypeptide slime with which some bacteria cover their cell walls. Capsules provide defense against phagocytes and prevent the bacteria from drying out.

Other Words From

• un·cap·suled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsule¹

First recorded in 1645–55; 1950–55 capsule fordef 5; from French or directly from Latin capsula, equivalent to caps(a) “box” + -ula diminutive suffix; case ², -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of capsule¹

C17: from French, from Latin capsula, diminutive of capsa box

Example Sentences

Particularly in capsule form, which releases the active ingredient slowly in the body, fampridine has shown effects on cognitive performance in MS patients: for some, it alleviates the mental fatigue that can accompany MS.

From Science Daily

The clearest choice for a possible sale or program closure, analysts agree, is the Starliner capsule built to service the International Space Station with crews and supplies.

From Los Angeles Times

After launching in June following repeated delays, the capsule returned remotely and uncrewed due to problems with its propulsion system.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfavorable long-range weather forecasts for the capsule’s splashdown off the Florida coast prompted additional delays.

From Los Angeles Times

This fall, it is partnering with Denim Dudes, a visionary in denim and casualwear, to launch Nothing New — offering seven L.A. brands the chance to mine American Rag’s vintage archive to create exclusive capsule collections.

From Los Angeles Times