Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Capsicum \Cap"si*cum\ (k[a^]p"s[i^]*k[u^]m), n. [NL., fr. L.
   capsa box, chest.] (Bot.)
   A genus of plants of many species, producing capsules or dry
   berries of various forms, which have an exceedingly pungent,
   biting taste, and when ground form the red or Cayenne pepper
   of commerce. [1913 Webster]

   Note: The most important species are {Capsicum baccatum} or
         bird pepper, {C. fastigiatum} or chili pepper, {C.
         frutescens} or spur pepper, and {C. annuum} or Guinea
         pepper, which includes the bell pepper and other common
         garden varieties. The fruit is much used, both in its
         green and ripe state, in pickles and in cookery. See
         {Cayenne pepper}. [1913 Webster]