I. ˈkapsəl, -(ˌ)sül also -ps(ˌ)yül or -psyəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Latin capsula small box, diminutive of capsa chest, case — more at case
1.
a. : a membrane or saclike structure enclosing a part or organ
the capsule of the kidney
an insect egg capsule
b. : either of two layers or laminae of white matter in the cerebrum:
(1) : a layer that consists largely of fibers passing to and from the cerebral cortex and that lies internal to the lenticular nucleus — called also internal capsule
(2) : one that lies between the lenticular nucleus and the claustrum — called also external capsule
2. : a closed container bearing spores or seeds:
a. in seed plants : a dry dehiscent usually many-seeded fruit composed of two or more carpels and releasing its seed at maturity through pores or by breaking into valves — compare pod ; see fruit illustration
b. : the spore sac of the sporogonium of a moss — called also theca, pyxidium
3.
a. obsolete : an earthenware saucer for roasting or melting samples of ores : scorifier
b. : a small shallow cup or boat (as of porcelain, platinum, or glass) used in chemical manipulation to hold a substance being heated
4.
a. : a gelatin shell enclosing medicine
b. : any similar gelatin container
5. : a metal seal over the cork of a bottle
6. biology : a viscous or gelatinous often polysaccharide envelope surrounding certain microscopic organisms (as the pneumococcus or many plantlike flagellates)
7.
a. : an extremely brief condensation : outline , survey
capsules of information too small to contain extended discussion — William Bridgwater
b. : a small quantity or amount : a little dose
capsules of history given to students
8. : a compact usually detachable receptacle
watches operating on energy capsules
9. : a small pressurized compartment for an aviator or astronaut for high-altitude flight, space flight, or emergency escape
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to equip with or enclose in a capsule
a capsuled bottle of wine
2. : to condense into or formulate in a very brief compact form
capsuled the news
III. adjective
1. : extremely brief and condensed
a capsule biography
capsule coverage of the news
2. : small and very compactly arranged and equipped
a capsule submarine