capsule
Capsule (noun) means a small container, often plastic or made of gelatin, holding a dose of medicine. Example: “Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water.”
How to use capsule
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small dose container, a spacecraft compartment, or a condensed summary — depending on context.
Word forms
capsuled past tense, capsules plural, capsules singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Swallow the _____ with a full glass of water.
Etymology
From Latin capsula ("little box"), a diminutive of capsa ("box, case").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for capsule
See all rhymes for capsule →Frequently asked questions
What does “capsule” mean?
The word “capsule” means a small container, often plastic or made of gelatin, holding a dose of medicine. In plain terms, a small dose container, a spacecraft compartment, or a condensed summary — depending on context.
How do you pronounce “capsule”?
“Capsule” is pronounced KAPS-yool (/ˈkæps(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “capsule” in a sentence?
Here is “capsule” used in a sentence: “Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water.”
What part of speech is “capsule”?
“Capsule” is a noun.
Where does the word “capsule” come from?
The word “capsule” comes from Latin. From Latin capsula ("little box"), a diminutive of capsa ("box, case").
Is “capsule” a common word?
“Capsule” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “capsule” have?
“Capsule” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small container, often plastic or made of gelatin, holding a dose of medicine.
What is the difference between a capsule and a tablet?
A capsule is a small container, often made of plastic or gelatin, that holds a dose of medicine, while a tablet is a solid, compressed form of medicine without an outer shell. Capsules typically dissolve to release their contents, whereas tablets break down as a solid mass.
What does capsule mean in space travel?
In space travel, a capsule is the crew or equipment compartment of a rocket or spacecraft, especially one that can separate from the main vehicle. It is designed to protect occupants or cargo during flight and, often, re-entry.