[cap.sule] n [F, fr. L capsula, dim. of capsa box--more at case] (ca. 1693) 1 a: a membrane or sac enclosing a body part b: either of two layers of white matter in the cerebrum
2: a closed receptacle containing spores or seeds: as a: a dry dehiscent usu. many-seeded fruit composed of two or more carpels b: the spore case of a moss
3: a shell usu. of gelatin for packaging something (as a drug or vitamins); also: a usu. medicinal or nutritional preparation for oral use consisting of the shell and its contents
4: an often polysaccharide envelope surrounding a microorganism
5: an extremely brief condensation: outline, survey
6. a: a compact often sealed and detachable container or compartment b: a small pressurized compartment or vehicle (as for space flight or emergency escape)
[2]capsule vt cap.suled ; cap.sul.ing (1859) 1: to equip with or enclose in a capsule
2: to condense into or devise in a compact form [3]capsule adj (1938) 1: extremely brief
2: small and very compact