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