capsid

¹ American  

[kap-sid] / ˈkæp sɪd /

noun

Microbiology.

1. the coiled or polyhedral structure, composed of proteins, that encloses the nucleic acid of a virus.

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capsid ² American  

[kap-sid] / ˈkæp sɪd /

noun

1. plant bug.

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capsid ¹ British  

/ ˈkæpsɪd /

noun

1. any heteropterous bug of the family Miridae (formerly Capsidae ), most of which feed on plant tissues, causing damage to crops

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capsid ² British  

/ ˈkæpsɪd /

noun

1. the outer protein coat of a mature virus

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capsid Scientific  

/ kăp′sĭd /

1. The protein shell that surrounds a virus particle (known as a virion).

2. See more at virus

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Etymology

Origin of capsid¹

1960–65; < French capside, equivalent to Latin caps ( a ) case ² + -ide -id ¹

Origin of capsid²

< New Latin Capsidae, equivalent to Caps ( us ) a genus (said to have been formed on Greek kápsis a gulping down; káp ( tein ) to gulp down + -sis -sis ) + -idae -id ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

capsid

Its capsid surface contains multiple spike structures topped with unique caps, some with filament-like extensions not seen in medusaviruses.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2026

Medusavirus is known for its icosahedral shape and numerous short spikes covering its capsid surface.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2026

Our language model also identified a novel viral capsid protein that is widespread in the global oceans.

From Salon ● May 17, 2024

They also found that the DNA organized itself into domains conforming to the topology of the capsid.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 7, 2024

Once the pore is open enough, the capsid is elastic enough to squeeze through.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 25, 2024