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]

	

	adrenal gland
    n 1: either of a pair of complex endocrine glands situated near
         the kidney [syn: adrenal gland, adrenal, suprarenal
         gland]