capsule
/'kæpsju:l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A small container or envelope: A "capsule" is a small, sealed container, often made of gelatin, that holds a dose of medicine, a vitamin, or another substance.
- A structure that encloses something: In biology and anatomy, a "capsule" is a tough, fibrous layer or membrane that surrounds an organ, joint, or microorganism.
- A detachable compartment: In aviation and spaceflight, a "capsule" is a small, separable compartment for a pilot or astronaut, designed to be ejected or to re-enter the atmosphere.
- A concise summary: A "capsule" can be a very brief, condensed version of a written work or piece of information.
- A seed vessel: In botany, a "capsule" is a type of dry fruit that splits open to release seeds when mature.
Verb:
- To condense or summarize: To "capsule" something means to put it into a very short, concise form.
- To enclose in a capsule: To "capsule" also means to surround or enclose something within a small container or a protective covering.
Examples
Noun:
- Take one capsule with water twice a day. (This refers to a medicine container.)
- The bacteria are protected by a thick capsule. (This refers to a biological structure.)
- The astronaut climbed into the space capsule. (This refers to a spacecraft compartment.)
- The report included a capsule of the main findings. (This refers to a summary.)
- Poppy seeds are released from a capsule. (This refers to a seed pod.)
Verb:
- Can you capsule the main points of the lecture? (This means to summarize.)
- The medication is capsuled for easy swallowing. (This means to enclose in a capsule.)
Advanced Usage
- "In a capsule": Used as an idiom meaning "in summary" or "briefly stated."
- In a capsule, the project was a success.
- "Time capsule": A container storing objects from the present to be discovered in the future.
- They buried a time capsule to be opened in 50 years.
Variants and Related Words
- Encapsulate (verb): To enclose in or as if in a capsule; to summarize or express the essential features of something concisely.
- The documentary encapsulates the spirit of the era.
- Capsular (adjective): Relating to or resembling a capsule.
- The capsular ligament surrounds the joint.
- Capsulize (verb): A synonym meaning to condense or summarize.
- He capsulized the complex theory in a single paragraph.
Synonyms
- Noun (for container): Pill, tablet, pod, case.
- Noun (for summary): Synopsis, abstract, digest, précis.
- Verb (to summarize): Condense, summarize, abridge, encapsulate.
Phrasal Verbs
(The word "capsule" does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)
Related Idioms
- "In a nutshell": Similar to "in a capsule," meaning in the fewest possible words.
- In a nutshell, we need more funding.
Noun
- a pilot's seat in an airplane that can be forcibly ejected in the case of an emergency; then the pilot descends by parachute
- a spacecraft designed to transport people and support human life in outer space
- a structure that encloses a body part
- a shortened version of a written work
- a dry dehiscent seed vessel or the spore-containing structure of e.g. mosses
- a pill in the form of a small rounded gelatinous container with medicine inside
- a small container
Verb
- put in a short or concise form; reduce in volume
- capsulize the news
- enclose in a capsule