Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic category of flowering plants: "genus Capsicum" is the scientific name for a genus of plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). This genus comprises the plants that produce the fruits commonly known as peppers or capsicums. 2. A group of related species: It categorizes several species of plants characterized by their distinctive, often pungent, many-seeded fruits.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bell peppers and chili peppers both belong to the genus Capsicum.
  • The botanist published a paper on the evolution within genus Capsicum.
  • All commercially cultivated peppers are derived from species in Capsicum.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical nomenclature: The name is always italicized, and the genus name ("Capsicum") is capitalized. The full scientific name for a species includes both the genus and the specific epithet (e.g., for the bell pepper).
• "Capsicum" as a common term: In some regions, particularly Australia and parts of Asia, the word "capsicum" is used colloquially to refer to the sweet, non-pungent fruit of plants from this genus (what is often called a "bell pepper" in American English).

Variants and Related Words

• Capsicum (n): Often used interchangeably with "genus Capsicum" in botanical contexts. It can also refer to the fruit or the dried, ground spice derived from the fruit.
  • The active compound in many capsicum fruits is capsaicin.
• Capsaicin (n): The chemical compound responsible for the pungent (hot) sensation in many peppers of this genus.
• Solanaceae (n): The nightshade family, the larger plant family to which genus Capsicum belongs, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.

Synonyms

• Pepper genus: A less formal, descriptive synonym.
• Capsicum: (When used in its taxonomic sense).

Related Phrases

• Capsicum species: Refers to the individual types within the genus, such as , , etc.
• Cultivated Capsicum: Specifies plants of this genus that have been developed through agriculture, as opposed to wild varieties.

Noun

1. chiefly tropical perennial shrubby plants having many-seeded fruits: sweet and hot peppers