epinephros

Capsule Cap"sule (k[a^]p"s[=u]l), n. [L. capsula a little box or chest, fr. capsa chest, case, fr. capere to take, contain: cf. F. capsule.] 1. (Bot.) a dry fruit or pod which is made up of several parts or carpels, and opens to discharge the seeds, as, the capsule of the poppy, the flax, the lily, etc. [1913 Webster]

2. (Chem.) (a) A small saucer of clay for roasting or melting samples of ores, etc.; a scorifier. (b) a small, shallow, evaporating dish, usually of porcelain. [1913 Webster]

3. (Med.) A small cylindrical or spherical gelatinous envelope in which nauseous or acrid doses are inclosed to be swallowed. [1913 Webster]

4. (Anat.) A membranous sac containing fluid, or investing an organ or joint; as, the capsule of the lens of the eye. Also, a capsulelike organ. [1913 Webster]

5. A metallic seal or cover for closing a bottle. [1913 Webster]

6. A small cup or shell, as of metal, for a percussion cap, cartridge, etc. [1913 Webster]

{Atrabiliary capsule}. See under {Atrabiliary}.

{Glisson's capsule}, a membranous envelope, entering the liver along with the portal vessels and insheathing the latter in their course through the organ.

{Suprarenal capsule}, a ductless gland secreting epinephrine, norepinephrine, and steroid hormones, on the upper end of each kidney. It is also called the {adrenal gland}, {glandula suprarenalis}, {suprarenal gland}, {epinephros}, {atrabiliary capsule}, and {adrenal capsule}. [1913 Webster +PJC] ||