capsicum

noun cap·si·cum \ˈkap-si-kəm\

Definition of CAPSICUM

a : any of a genus (Capsicum) of tropical American herbs and shrubs of the nightshade family widely cultivated for their many-seeded usually fleshy-walled berries —called also pepper

b : pepper 3b

: an oleoresin derived from the fruit of some capsicums that contains capsaicin and related compounds and is used medicinally especially as a topical pain reliever

Origin of CAPSICUM

New Latin, perhaps from Latin capsa

First Known Use: 1588

Medical Dictionary

capsicum

noun cap·si·cum \ˈkap-si-kəm\

Medical Definition of CAPSICUM

capitalized : a genus of tropical herbs and shrubs of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) widely cultivated for their many-seeded usually fleshy-walled berries

: any plant of the genus Capsicum—called also pepper

: the dried ripe fruit of some capsicums (as C. frutescens) used as a gastric and intestinal stimulant