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Capsules Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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capsules

[ˈkæpsjuːlz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medication

Small containers made of gelatin or other substances containing a dose of medicine or a vitamin, typically for oral consumption.

Synonyms

gel caps, pills, tablets.

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Word Description / Examples
capsules

Used to describe medications or supplements that come in a form with a hard gelatin shell enclosing the medicine. Often easier to swallow and can conceal taste.

  • The doctor prescribed some capsules for my stomach issues
  • Vitamin E capsules are great for your skin

Examples of usage

  • Take two capsules with water after meals.
  • She needs to refill her prescription for the capsules.
  • The doctor prescribed antibiotic capsules for the infection.
  • The capsules are easy to swallow.
  • I always carry a few capsules in my purse.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Capsules can protect sensitive ingredients in medicine from light and air, ensuring they work effectively.
  • Some capsules are designed to dissolve at different rates in your body, allowing for timed release of medication.
  • Gelatin capsules come in sizes that vary from very small to large, depending on the amount of medicine they need to hold.

Health and Nutrition

  • Capsules are commonly used for supplements, helping people get vitamins and minerals they might miss in their diet.
  • The capsule form is sometimes preferred because it can mask the taste of unpleasant medicines.
  • Some herbal remedies also come in capsules, making it easier to take natural products for health.

Technology

  • Advanced capsule designs now include enteric-coated capsules that dissolve only in specific parts of the digestive system.
  • Capsules can be manufactured to release medications in response to body temperature or pH levels.
  • The use of nanotechnology is being explored to create even smaller, more targeted capsules for drug delivery.

Pop Culture

  • In sci-fi and adventure movies, capsules are often depicted as high-tech devices that give characters superpowers or knowledge.
  • Video games sometimes feature capsules with magical properties, offering players special abilities or bonuses.
  • Anime and manga commonly use the concept of capsules that contain pets or creatures, which adds an element of surprise.

Origin of 'capsules'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'capsula', meaning 'small box', which reflects the capsule's design.
  • The term began to emerge in the 16th century, as physicians sought easier ways to administer medicine.
  • In the early days, capsules were often made from animal parts, evolving into gelatin as we know it today.

The word 'capsule' originated from the Latin word 'capsula', meaning 'small box or chest'. It was first used in the 15th century to describe a small case or shell. Over time, the term evolved to refer to small containers for medication or supplements. Capsules have become a popular form of administering medicine due to their convenience and ease of consumption.

See also: capsule, encapsulate.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,216, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.