capsicum

cap·si·cum

noun \ˈkap-si-kəm\

Definition of CAPSICUM

1

a : any of a genus (Capsicum) of tropical American herbs and shrubs of the nightshade family widely cultivated for their many-seeded usually fleshy-walled berries —called also pepper

b : pepper 3b

2

: an oleoresin derived from the fruit of some capsicums that contains capsaicin and related compounds and is used medicinally especially as a topical pain reliever

Origin of CAPSICUM

New Latin, perhaps from Latin capsa

First Known Use: 1588

cap·si·cum

noun \ˈkap-si-kəm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CAPSICUM

1

capitalized : a genus of tropical herbs and shrubs of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) widely cultivated for their many-seeded usually fleshy-walled berries

2

: any plant of the genus Capsicum—called also pepper

3

: the dried ripe fruit of some capsicums (as C. frutescens) used as a gastric and intestinal stimulant