from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Capsule \Cap"sule\ (k[a^]p"s[=u]l), n. [L. capsula a little box
or chest, fr. capsa chest, case, fr. capere to take, contain:
cf. F. capsule.]
1. (Bot.) a dry fruit or pod which is made up of several
parts or carpels, and opens to discharge the seeds, as,
the capsule of the poppy, the flax, the lily, etc.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Chem.)
(a) A small saucer of clay for roasting or melting samples
of ores, etc.; a scorifier.
(b) a small, shallow, evaporating dish, usually of
porcelain.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Med.) A small cylindrical or spherical gelatinous
envelope in which nauseous or acrid doses are inclosed to
be swallowed.
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4. (Anat.) A membranous sac containing fluid, or investing an
organ or joint; as, the capsule of the lens of the eye.
Also, a capsulelike organ.
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5. A metallic seal or cover for closing a bottle.
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6. A small cup or shell, as of metal, for a percussion cap,
cartridge, etc.
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{Atrabiliary capsule}. See under {Atrabiliary}.
{Glisson's capsule}, a membranous envelope, entering the
liver along with the portal vessels and insheathing the
latter in their course through the organ.
{Suprarenal capsule}, a ductless gland secreting epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and steroid hormones, on the upper end of
each kidney. It is also called the {adrenal gland},
{glandula suprarenalis}, {suprarenal gland}, {epinephros},
{atrabiliary capsule}, and {adrenal capsule}.
[1913 Webster +PJC]