Main Entry: ¹cap·sule

Pronunciation: \ˈkap-səl, -(ˌ)sül also -ˌsyül\

Function: noun

Etymology: French, from Latin capsula, diminutive of capsa box — more at case

Date: circa 1693

1 a : a membrane or sac enclosing a body part (as a knee joint or kidney) b : either of two layers of white matter in the cerebrum
2 : a closed receptacle containing spores or seeds: as a : a dry dehiscent usually many-seeded fruit composed of two or more carpels b : the spore case of a moss
3 : a shell usually of gelatin for packaging something (as a drug or vitamins); also : a usually 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)