capsule
KAPS-yool
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.”
noun
1
A small container, often plastic or made of gelatin, holding a dose of medicine.
"Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water."
"The doctor said to take one capsule with food each morning."
"She disliked the taste of the powder, so she asked for a capsule."
2
A crew or equipment compartment of a rocket or spacecraft, especially one that can separate from the main vehicle.
"The capsule splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean."
"The astronauts waited inside the capsule while it was lifted onto the ship."
"A parachute opened to slow the capsule as it fell towards the sea."
3
A brief, condensed summary or version of something.
"Here's a capsule history of the company's first ten years."
"The magazine ran a capsule review of each new film in one short paragraph."
"Her talk began with a capsule portrait of the town's history."
How to use capsule
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small dose container, a spacecraft compartment, or a condensed summary — depending on context.
Common pairings
space capsule
capsule review
take a capsule
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Word forms
- Plural
- capsules
- Third person singular
- capsules
- Past tense
- capsuled
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
View more →Related words
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.
