1. The protein shell that surrounds and protects the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a virus.
Usage: technical; biology

Examples

• The capsid of a virus is made up of multiple copies of one or more types of protein.
• Scientists study the capsid structure to understand how viruses infect cells.
• The capsid protects the viral genome from damage in the environment.
• Different viruses have capsids with different shapes, such as spherical or rod-shaped.
• The immune system can recognize and attack the capsid of invading viruses.