ETYM New Lat., from Latin capsa box, chest.
Any pepper plant of the genus Capsicum of the nightshade family Solanaceae, native to Central and South America. The differing species produce green to red fruits that vary in size. The small ones are used whole to give the hot flavor of chili, or ground to produce cayenne pepper; the large pointed or squarish pods, known as sweet peppers, are mild-flavored and used as a vegetable.
Any of various tropical plants of the genus Capsicum bearing peppers; SYN. pepper, capsicum pepper plant.
Plant yielding (e.g. red or green) peppers; its fruit.