Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkæp.sjuːl/

Definitions

• A small container, typically cylindrical or oval, used to hold something, often medicine.
• A small, sealed container that holds a substance, especially for oral consumption.
• A protective covering around an object or a structure that encloses something inside.
• A small, tightly packed package of information or knowledge.

Usage Examples

• "The doctor prescribed a capsule for her daily medication."
• "The research team presented their findings in a capsule format to make it easier to digest."
• "The capsule of the spaceship was designed to protect astronauts during re-entry."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "capsula," meaning "a small box" or "container," which comes from "capere," meaning "to hold." The term was initially used in the context of small containers used in various applications, especially in medicine, where it came to represent a small, sealed container for medicinal purposes.

Synonyms

• Container
• Vial
• Case
• Enclosure
• Pill

Antonyms

• Open
• Exposed
• Unsealed
• Unprotected

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the stress is placed on the first syllable: /ˈkæp.sjuːl/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is quite similar but may have slightly different vowel sounds.
• In Australian English, the word is pronounced with a more relaxed vowel sound in the second syllable.

Historical Usage

The use of capsules dates back to ancient civilizations where they were used to store medicinal herbs and other substances. The modern pharmaceutical use of capsules began in the 19th century when gelatin was used to encase powdered drugs for easier consumption. Over time, the use of capsules expanded beyond medicine to include storage of other materials and even the packaging of space technologies.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the word "capsule" is most commonly associated with medicine, where it signifies a means of delivering medications efficiently. However, in the tech world, the term "capsule" has come to represent compact, self-contained units of data, often used in the context of information storage or retrieval. The term also has strong associations with space exploration, where capsules are used as the protective vehicle for astronauts during space missions.

More Information

A capsule is not only a method of storing medicines but is also widely used in the food and beverage industry, particularly for vitamins and supplements. Its versatility extends beyond pharmaceuticals, and capsules have become a symbol of protection, efficiency, and convenience. Modern innovations in capsule technology have led to developments such as time-release capsules and capsules that dissolve in different parts of the digestive system for targeted delivery. Capsules are also used in space exploration, where they serve as the encapsulated environment that protects astronauts and essential equipment during harsh conditions in space.