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.

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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

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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 CaJohn’s gum has the same active ingredient as police-grade pepper spray, oleoresin capsicum.

From Washington Times • Apr. 8, 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

Other counter-irritants in common use are iodine, turpentine, ammonia, kerosene, camphorated oil, capsicum vaseline, and various liniments.

From American Red Cross Text-Book on Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick by Cross, American Red