capsule

/'kæpsju:l/
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capsule

The astronaut floats inside the space capsule during the mission.

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.
capsule

The astronaut floats inside the space capsule during the mission.

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