| 释义 |
cap·sule
I. \ˈkapsəl, -(ˌ)sül also -ps(ˌ)yül or -psyəl\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: French, from Latin capsula small box, diminutive of capsa chest, case — more at case
1.
a. : a membrane or saclike structure enclosing a part or organ
< the capsule of the kidney >
< an insect egg capsule >
b. : either of two layers or laminae of white matter in the cerebrum:
(1) : a layer that consists largely of fibers passing to and from the cerebral cortex and that lies internal to the lenticular nucleus — called also internal capsule
(2) : one that lies between the lenticular nucleus and the claustrum — called also external capsule
2. : a closed container bearing spores or seeds:
a. in seed plants : a dry dehiscent usually many-seeded fruit composed of two or more carpels and releasing its seed at maturity through pores or by breaking into valves — compare pod; see fruit illustration
b. : the spore sac of the sporogonium of a moss — called also theca, pyxidium
3.
a. obsolete : an earthenware saucer for roasting or melting samples of ores : scorifier
b. : a small shallow cup or boat (as of porcelain, platinum, or glass) used in chemical manipulation to hold a substance being heated
4.
a. : a gelatin shell enclosing medicine
b. : any similar gelatin container
5. : a metal seal over the cork of a bottle
6. biology : a viscous or gelatinous often polysaccharide envelope surrounding certain microscopic organisms (as the pneumococcus or many plantlike flagellates)
7.
a. : an extremely brief condensation : outline, survey
< capsules of information too small to contain extended discussion — William Bridgwater >
b. : a small quantity or amount : a little dose
< capsules of history given to students >
8. : a compact usually detachable receptacle
< watches operating on energy capsules >
9. : a small pressurized compartment for an aviator or astronaut for high-altitude flight, space flight, or emergency escape
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
1. : to equip with or enclose in a capsule
< a capsuled bottle of wine >
2. : to condense into or formulate in a very brief compact form
< capsuled the news >
III. adjective
1. : extremely brief and condensed
< a capsule biography >
< capsule coverage of the news >
2. : small and very compactly arranged and equipped
< a capsule submarine > |