capsid
noun
cap·sid ˈkap-səd 
: the protein shell of a virus particle surrounding its nucleic acid
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Most phages have a rigid shell called a capsid that is filled with their genetic material. 
Ivan Erill, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2021 The fragments of genetic material (RNA) detected from sewage are very quickly decomposed in sewage water and will only be stable if protected by the protein coat (capsid), meaning only if the whole virus is present. Sahana Ghosh, Quartz India, 15 Apr. 2020 The naked capsid coat is one factor that makes norovirus so difficult to control. Patricia L. Foster, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2020 The genetic material of some viruses is packaged not only in a capsid protein, but also in a membrane called an envelope, which is typically made of lipids. Jon Cohen, Science | AAAS, 13 Mar. 2020 Clearly, a new theory was necessary to model larger viral capsids. Quanta Magazine, 19 July 2017 These mega-viruses are hundreds of times larger than most, with capsids that span roughly 400 to 500 nanometers across and full viral forms that can measure up to 750 nanometers across. Maya Wei-haas, National Geographic, 22 Feb. 2019 Cells with the Arc gene crank out proteins that clump into capsids. Lacy Schley, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2019 Understanding the structure of the capsid could be the key to stopping a viral spread. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 6 Apr. 2018 See More
Ivan Erill, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2021 The fragments of genetic material (RNA) detected from sewage are very quickly decomposed in sewage water and will only be stable if protected by the protein coat (capsid), meaning only if the whole virus is present. Sahana Ghosh, Quartz India, 15 Apr. 2020 The naked capsid coat is one factor that makes norovirus so difficult to control. Patricia L. Foster, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2020 The genetic material of some viruses is packaged not only in a capsid protein, but also in a membrane called an envelope, which is typically made of lipids. Jon Cohen, Science | AAAS, 13 Mar. 2020 Clearly, a new theory was necessary to model larger viral capsids. Quanta Magazine, 19 July 2017 These mega-viruses are hundreds of times larger than most, with capsids that span roughly 400 to 500 nanometers across and full viral forms that can measure up to 750 nanometers across. Maya Wei-haas, National Geographic, 22 Feb. 2019 Cells with the Arc gene crank out proteins that clump into capsids. Lacy Schley, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2019 Understanding the structure of the capsid could be the key to stopping a viral spread. Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 6 Apr. 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
French capside, from Latin capsa case + French -ide -id entry 2
First Known Use
1959, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
capsid
noun
cap·sid ˈkap-səd
: the protein shell of a virus particle that surrounds its nucleic acid