Căp'si-cŭm, n.

n. [N. Lat. capsicum, from capsa, box, chest, chest for fruit, because it is contained in pods.] (Bot.) A genus of plants producing fruit in the form of pods or capsules containing berries, both pod and berry having a pungent, biting taste, and when ground forming the red or Cayenne pepper of domestic use.

☞ The most important varieties are C. baccatum, commonly called bird-pepper, C. frutescens, or Cayenne pepper, and C. annuum. Loudon.