capsule

cap·sule

noun \ˈkap-səl, -(ˌ)sül\

Definition of CAPSULE

1

a : a membrane or saclike structure enclosing a part or organ <the capsule of the kidney> b : either of two layers or laminae of white matter in the cerebrum: (1) : a layer that consists largely of fibers passing to and from the cerebral cortex and that lies internal to the lentiform nucleus—called also internal capsule (2) : one that lies between the lentiform nucleus and the claustrum—called also external capsule

2

: 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

3

: a viscous or gelatinous often polysaccharide envelope surrounding certain microscopic organisms (as the pneumococcus)

Illustration of CAPSULE