capsaicin

[ kap-sey-uh-sin ]

/ kæpˈseɪ ə sɪn /

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noun

a colorless, crystalline, bitter compound, C18H27NO3, present in capsicum.

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Origin of capsaicin

1885–90; earlier capsicine, equivalent to capsic(um) + -ine²; refashioned with capsa- (<Latin: box) for caps- and -in² for -ine²

Words nearby capsaicin

caproic acid, caprolactam, caprylic, caprylic acid, caps., capsaicin, cap screw, Capsian, capsicum, capsid, capsize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use capsaicin in a sentence

He declined to discuss how much of a threat bear spray could pose to humans, other than noting that someone hit with bear spray would receive a higher dose of capsaicin than someone who was pepper sprayed.
Bear spray is showing up at protests and riots. Here’s why, and how it affects humans.|John Briley|March 19, 2021|Washington Post
Bear deterrents dispense in a fog pattern — versus the stream output of many pepper sprays — making it more likely that the capsaicin will get into an aggressive animal’s eyes, nose and throat.
Bear spray is showing up at protests and riots. Here’s why, and how it affects humans.|John Briley|March 19, 2021|Washington Post
According to Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association, bear spray is a type of pepper spray, with an active ingredient — capsaicin — that’s derived from chile peppers.
Bear spray is showing up at protests and riots. Here’s why, and how it affects humans.|John Briley|March 19, 2021|Washington Post
When used properly on an aggressive bear, capsaicin deterrents are extremely effective.
Bear spray is showing up at protests and riots. Here’s why, and how it affects humans.|John Briley|March 19, 2021|Washington Post

When a drop of a chili pepper and ethanol solution is added to the sensor, the capsaicin from the pepper triggers the movement of electrons among the graphene atoms.
A new portable device can reveal a chili pepper’s heat|Erin Garcia de Jesus|November 10, 2020|Science News
And contrary to the belief that eating spicy foods can cause stomach ulcers, capsaicin is reported to hold digestive benefits.
Hot-Sauce Addicts|Abby Schneiderman|July 28, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The chief constituents are a crystallizable resin, capsaicin, a volatile alkaloid, capsicine and a volatile oil.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5|Various
Its discoverer states that capsaicin occurs only in the pericarp of the fruit.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for capsaicin

capsaicin

/ (kæpˈseɪɪsɪn) /

noun

a colourless crystalline bitter alkaloid found in capsicums and used as a flavouring in vinegar and pickles. Formula: C 18 H 27 O 3 N

Word Origin for capsaicin

C19 capsicine, from capsicum + -ine ²; modern form refashioned from Latin capsa box, case + -in

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for capsaicin

capsaicin

[ kăp-sā′ĭ-sĭn ]

A colorless, extremely pungent, crystalline compound that is the primary active principle producing the heat of red peppers. It is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes and is used in medicine as a topical analgesic. Capsaicin is highly stable, retaining its potency for long periods and despite cooking or freezing. Chemical formula: C18H27NO3.