capsid

1
[ kap-sid ]
/ ˈkæp sɪd /

noun Microbiology.

the coiled or polyhedral structure, composed of proteins, that encloses the nucleic acid of a virus.
Also called protein coat.

Origin of capsid

1
1960–65; < French capside, equivalent to Latin caps(a) case2 + -ide -id1

Words nearby capsid

caprylic acid, caps., capsaicin, capsian, capsicum, capsid, capsize, capsomere, capstan, capstan bar, capstan lathe

Definition for capsid (2 of 2)

capsid 2
[ kap-sid ]
/ ˈkæp sɪd /

noun

plant bug.

Origin of capsid

2
< 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 -id2

Example sentences from the Web for capsid

British Dictionary definitions for capsid (1 of 2)

capsid 1
/ (ˈkæpsɪd) /

noun

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

Word Origin for capsid

C19: from New Latin Capsus (genus)

British Dictionary definitions for capsid (2 of 2)

capsid 2
/ (ˈkæpsɪd) /

noun

the outer protein coat of a mature virus

Word Origin for capsid

C20: from French capside, from Latin capsa box

Medical definitions for capsid

capsid
[ kăp′sĭd ]

n.

The protein shell that surrounds a virus particle.

Scientific definitions for capsid

capsid
[ kăp′sĭd ]

The protein shell that surrounds a virus particle (known as a virion). See more at virus.