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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.

capsid 2 American  
[kap-sid] / ˈkæp sɪd /

noun

  1. plant bug.

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

"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
capsid 2 British  
/ ˈkæpsɪd /

noun

  1. the outer protein coat of a mature virus

"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
capsid Scientific  
/ kăp′sĭd /

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

  2. See more at virus

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

Vocabulary lists containing capsid

Microbiology - High School

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

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

Further examination focused on the viruses' capsid proteins, which form the outer shell of the virus.

From Science Daily • Jan. 6, 2026

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

From Salon • May 17, 2024

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

From Science Daily • Jan. 25, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.