capsid

¹ American  

[kap-sid] / ˈkæp sɪd /

noun

1. plant bug.

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capsid ² 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 ¹ British  

/ ˈkæpsɪd /

noun

1. the outer protein coat of a mature virus

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capsid ² 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 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

< 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

Origin of capsid¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily

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

From Salon

The researchers showed that the compound K11777 prevents host cells from helping the virus out of its shell by cleaving the viral capsid.

From Science Daily

Viruses keep their genetic material -- either DNA or RNA -- packaged in a hollow particle called a capsid.

From Science Daily

They also found both the pore and the capsid deform as it goes.

From Science Daily