capsule

¹cap·sule

noun \ˈkap-səl, -(ˌ)sül also -ˌsyül\

Definition of CAPSULE

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)

Examples of CAPSULE

1. <took an antibiotic capsule three times a day for a week>
2. <a capsule containing all sorts of items from our era that is to be opened 100 years from now>

Origin of CAPSULE

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

First Known Use: circa 1693

Related to CAPSULE

Synonyms: cap, pill, lozenge, tablet

Related Words: cure, drug, medication, medicinal, pharmaceutical, physic, remedy, specific; miracle drug, wonder drug; potion, preparation; dosage, dose; drop, gelcap; bolus, pilule

Near Antonyms: amplification, enlargement, expansion; addendum, supplement

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Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum