capsule /ˈkæpsjuːl/ /ˈkæpsjəl/

Origin

From Latin capsula (small box or container), diminutive of capsa (box, case)

Meanings

1. (n) A small case or container, especially a round or cylindrical one

   • "She took a vitamin capsule with water."
   • "The space capsule returned safely to Earth."

2. (n) A small, soluble container for medicine that dissolves when swallowed

   • "The doctor prescribed antibiotic capsules."
   • "He preferred capsules to tablets."

3. (n) A concise summary or brief report

   • "Here's a news capsule of today's top stories."
   • "The time capsule contained items from 1950."

4. (adj) Compact and concise

   • "She gave a capsule description of the meeting."

Related Words

Forms:

• capsular (adj)
• encapsulate (v)
• encapsulation (n)

Synonyms:

• pill
• tablet
• container
• vessel
• shell
• pod

Memory Tricks

1. Think "CAPsule" as something that CAPS (covers) medicine or contents inside
2. Visualize a space capsule as a "tiny cap" protecting astronauts
3. Remember the shape: like a small cap that can be pulled apart into two pieces

Common Collocations

• time capsule
• space capsule
• medicine capsule
• gel capsule
• capsule collection (fashion)
• capsule wardrobe