Capsaicin
/kæpˈseɪ.ɪ.sɪn/noun
The pungent chemical compound in chili peppers that causes the sensation of heat.
Did you know?Capsaicin was named after the Latin genus name *Capsicum*, and its suffix marks it as a chemical substance, not a magical spell — though it certainly behaves like one on your tongue.
Etymological Timeline
Latin (modern scientific name)
Latin
Capsicum
“The botanical genus name for chili peppers, borrowed into scientific Latin from earlier European plant naming traditions.”
Late 17th Century
English
capsicum
“A chili pepper or its plant.”
1820s
English
capsaicin
“The active pungent principle isolated from chili peppers.”
Modern English
English
capsaicin
“The compound responsible for the burning sensation of hot peppers.”
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