/
ˈkapsjuːl,
-sjʊl/
n.
- a small case or container, especially a round or cylindrical one.
▸a small soluble case of gelatin containing a dose of medicine, swallowed whole.
- Anatomy a sheath or membrane that encloses an organ or other structure, such as a kidney.
- Botany a dry fruit that releases its seeds by bursting open when ripe.
▸the spore-producing structure of mosses and liverworts.
- the foil or plastic covering the cork of a wine bottle.
Derivative
- capsular adj.
- capsulate adj.
Etymology
ME: via Fr. from L. capsula, dimin. of capsa (see case2).