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 cerebrum2: 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 contents4: an often polysaccharide envelope surrounding a microorganism5: an extremely brief condensation : outline, survey6 a: a compact often sealed and detachable container or compartment b: a small pressurized compartment or vehicle (as for space flight)