[cap.si.cum] n [NL, perh. fr. L capsa] (1588) 1: any of a genus (Capsicum) of tropical herbs and shrubs of the nightshade family widely cultivated for their many-seeded usu. fleshy-walled berries--called also pepper
2: the dried ripe fruit of some capsicums (as C. frutescens) used as a gastric and intestinal stimulant