encapsulated
UK[ɪnˈkæpsjuleɪtɪd]US[ɪnˈkæpsəleɪtɪd]
adj
enclosed or summarized in a concise form.
verb (past tense)
enclosed something completely in a capsule or other small container.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
capsul
ated
en
in
capsul
small container
ated
made
Etymology
the word 'encapsulated' is built upon the latin root 'capsula', a diminutive of 'capsa' meaning 'box' or 'case'. the prefix 'en-', derived from latin 'in-', conveys the sense of putting something into a container. the suffix '-ated' marks it as a past participle or adjective, indicating a state of having been enclosed. thus, the literal progression from 'put into a small box' evolved into the modern abstract meanings of either physically enclosing something or figuratively summarizing complex information into a concise, self-contained unit.
Analysis
Structure: en (in) + capsul (small container) + ated (made)
en- (latin, prefix meaning 'in, into, within'), capsul (latin, root from 'capsula' meaning 'small box or case'), -ated (latin/english, suffix forming adjectives or past participles meaning 'made, characterized by').
Examples
the medicine is encapsulated in a gelatin shell for easy swallowing.
the report encapsulated the main findings of the three-year study.
the artist's work encapsulated the mood of the entire decade.