capsicum

American  

[kap-si-kuhm] / ˈkæp sɪ kəm /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Capsicum, of the nightshade family, as C. annuum, the common pepper of the garden, occurring in many varieties.

2. the fruit of such a plant or some preparation of it, used as a condiment and intestinal stimulant.

---

capsicum British  

/ ˈkæpsɪkəm /

noun

1. any tropical American plant of the solanaceous genus Capsicum, such as C. frutescens, having mild or pungent seeds enclosed in a pod-shaped or bell-shaped fruit

2. the fruit of any of these plants, used as a vegetable or ground to produce a condiment

---

Etymology

Origin of capsicum

1655–65; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin caps ( a ) case ² + -icum, neuter of -icus -ic

Example Sentences

It said average prices for fruit and vegetables dipped 12% with berries, lettuce, cucumbers, capsicum, and tomatoes all declining "materially", the company said.

From Reuters • Oct. 25, 2023

The board first voted in early 2019 to ban all juvenile detention facilities from deploying pepper spray, also known as oleoresin capsicum or OC spray.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2022

These carotenoids are found in tomatoes, apples, cherries, watermelon, red grapes, strawberries and capsicum.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2022

For those who haven’t experienced the unique flavor of herbs and fruits in the capsicum family, the spicy heat of chiles varies widely.

From Washington Post • Mar. 3, 2022

The following may be used: Powdered gentian, 3 ounces; powdered bicarbonate of potash, 3 ounces; powdered ginger, 3 ounces; powdered capsicum, 1 ounce.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry