stinging capsule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “stinging capsule” mean?
A specialized cell (nematocyst) in cnidarians like jellyfish and sea anemones that delivers a painful sting for defense or prey capture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized cell (nematocyst) in cnidarians like jellyfish and sea anemones that delivers a painful sting for defense or prey capture.
By analogy, any structure or mechanism, often small and hidden, that delivers a sudden, sharp, and usually unpleasant effect, whether physical or emotional.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is uniformly technical in both varieties.
Connotations
In a technical context, it is neutral and descriptive. In metaphorical use, it carries connotations of hidden danger, sudden pain, or a sharp rebuke.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “stinging capsule” in a Sentence
The [animal] possesses stinging capsules.A stinging capsule was discharged.The [body part] is armed with stinging capsules.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology textbooks and research papers on marine invertebrates.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it is a deliberate, often vivid metaphor (e.g., 'Her criticism was a verbal stinging capsule').
Technical
The primary domain of use.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stinging capsule”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stinging capsule”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stinging capsule”
- Using 'stinging capsule' to refer to the sting of bees or wasps (which have different anatomical structures).
- Treating it as a common noun in everyday English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A bee's stinger is a macroscopic, modified ovipositor. A stinging capsule (nematocyst) is a microscopic, intracellular structure found in cnidarians.
It would be very unusual and likely misunderstood unless you were making a deliberate, metaphorical comparison to something hidden and painful.
Its primary functions are prey capture and defense. It injects venom through a barbed thread when triggered by physical or chemical stimuli.
No. While many can cause painful stings, only a few species (like some box jellyfish) have stinging capsules with venom potent enough to be lethal to humans.
A specialized cell (nematocyst) in cnidarians like jellyfish and sea anemones that delivers a painful sting for defense or prey capture.
Stinging capsule is usually technical/scientific in register.
Stinging capsule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋɪŋ ˈkæpsjuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋɪŋ ˈkæpsəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny, sealed 'capsule' on a tentacle that, when triggered, 'stings' like a hypodermic needle.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HIDDEN WEAPON IS A STINGING CAPSULE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'stinging capsule' primarily used?