Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. a pilot's seat in an airplane that can be forcibly ejected in the case of an emergency; then the pilot descends by parachute
2. a spacecraft designed to transport people and support human life in outer space
3. a structure that encloses a body part
4. a shortened version of a written work
5. a dry dehiscent seed vessel or the spore-containing structure of e.g. mosses
6. a pill in the form of a small rounded gelatinous container with medicine inside
7. a small container

Verb

1. put in a short or concise form; reduce in volume
   • capsulize the news
2. enclose in a capsule