Skip to main content
microcapsule

microcapsule

1 6.8
A tiny container that holds something like perfume or medicine and releases it in a controlled way
  • noun
  • /ˈmaɪkroʊˌkæpsuːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : microcápsula
  • Microcapsules within the film burst at specific pressure levels, causing an instantaneous color change and producing a permanent "topographical" image of pressure variation.
  • microcapsules within the film

Examples

  • In a concept developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, microcapsules release a healing agent in a smart material.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Microcapsules within the film burst at specific pressure levels and cause an instantaneous color change.

    Academic text (2003)
  • When pressure is exerted, the microcapsules break and release their substance into contact with the developer sheet.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Microcapsules within the film burst at specific pressure levels, causing an instantaneous color change and producing a permanent topographical image of pressure variation.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The goal of depositing PMMA microspheres in tissue is to elicit a fibrotic process resulting in the formation of microcapsules around each PMMA microsphere.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The researchers created a new drug delivery system using microcapsules that release medicine gradually over time.

  • In his experiment, he added microcapsules to the fabric so that they could release fragrance when pressed.

  • The skincare product contains tiny microcapsules that burst open to deliver vitamins directly into the skin.

Surface Forms

microcapsule singular
microcapsules plural

Morphology

microcapsule = capsule (transparent) = micro + capsule

The meaning is directly compositional: a microcapsule is simply a very small capsule.

Etymology

Microcapsule starts with micro- meaning 'small', as in microscope, and ends with capsule meaning 'small container', so it is literally a tiny container that holds a substance and releases it in a controlled way.