Capsule \Cap"sule\ (k[a^]p"s[=u]l), n. [L. capsula a little box
   or chest, fr. capsa chest, case, fr. capere to take, contain:
   cf. F. capsule.]
   1. (Bot.) a dry fruit or pod which is made up of several
      parts or carpels, and opens to discharge the seeds, as,
      the capsule of the poppy, the flax, the lily, etc.
      
[1913 Webster]


   2. (Chem.)
      (a) A small saucer of clay for roasting or melting samples
          of ores, etc.; a scorifier.
      (b) a small, shallow, evaporating dish, usually of
          porcelain.
          
[1913 Webster]


   3. (Med.) A small cylindrical or spherical gelatinous
      envelope in which nauseous or acrid doses are inclosed to
      be swallowed.
      
[1913 Webster]


   4. (Anat.) A membranous sac containing fluid, or investing an
      organ or joint; as, the capsule of the lens of the eye.
      Also, a capsulelike organ.
      
[1913 Webster]


   5. A metallic seal or cover for closing a bottle.
      
[1913 Webster]


   6. A small cup or shell, as of metal, for a percussion cap,
      cartridge, etc.
      
[1913 Webster]


   {Atrabiliary capsule}. See under {Atrabiliary}.

   {Glissons capsule}, a membranous envelope, entering the
      liver along with the portal vessels and insheathing the
      latter in their course through the organ.

   {Suprarenal capsule}, a ductless gland secreting epinephrine,
      norepinephrine, and steroid hormones, on the upper end of
      each kidney. It is also called the {adrenal gland},
      {glandula suprarenalis}, {suprarenal gland}, {epinephros},
      {atrabiliary capsule}, and {adrenal capsule}.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]