capsid

noun

cap·​sid ˈkap-səd How to pronounce capsid (audio)
: the protein shell of a virus particle surrounding its nucleic acid

Examples of capsid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Viruses are faced with the engineering challenge of building capsids from proteins whose entire genome must be enclosed within the small interior of the capsid. Judith Graf, The New York Review of Books, 1 Dec. 2022 But what about larger viruses with more genes than can fit into a capsid made from a single protein? Judith Graf, The New York Review of Books, 1 Dec. 2022 The outer layer is a protective shell called a capsid; some viruses also have a viral envelope, a second layer that helps virions attach to host cells. Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2019 Viruses are faced with the engineering challenge of building capsids from proteins whose entire genome must be enclosed within the small interior of the capsid. Judith Graf, The New York Review of Books, 1 Dec. 2022 Most phages have a rigid shell called a capsid that is filled with their genetic material. Ivan Erill, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2021 The fragments of genetic material (RNA) detected from sewage are very quickly decomposed in sewage water and will only be stable if protected by the protein coat (capsid), meaning only if the whole virus is present. Sahana Ghosh, Quartz India, 15 Apr. 2020 The naked capsid coat is one factor that makes norovirus so difficult to control. Patricia L. Foster, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2020 The genetic material of some viruses is packaged not only in a capsid protein, but also in a membrane called an envelope, which is typically made of lipids. Jon Cohen, Science | AAAS, 13 Mar. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'capsid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French capside, from Latin capsa case + French -ide -id entry 2

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of capsid was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near capsid

Cite this Entry

“Capsid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capsid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

capsid

noun
cap·​sid ˈkap-səd How to pronounce capsid (audio)
: the protein shell of a virus particle that surrounds its nucleic acid
capsidal adjective
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