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

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

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 ● May 15, 2024

The simulations did reveal common structural features and defects, particularly at the edges and corners of the capsid, where its shape has the greatest influence on the DNA inside.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 7, 2024

According to their models, the HIV capsid, which is cone-shaped, points its smaller end into the pores of the nucleus and then ratchets itself in.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 25, 2024