Originally: a hot, pungent spice prepared from chilli peppers, the red, elongated, ripe fruits of the Capsicum annum Longum group (also figurative)…

Any of various capsicum peppers (see pepper, n. 3); esp. the chilli pepper, a variety of C. annuum; (also) a spice derived from such a plant.

Any of various forms of capsicum, esp. Capsicum annuum var. annuum. Originally (chiefly with distinguishing word): any variety of the C. annuum Longum…

any of various species or varieties of capsicum having fruits thought to resemble pods; the spice prepared from such fruits; esp. cayenne pepper.

The fruit of the capsicum; esp. the prepared fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum, an active stimulant, used chiefly as a condiment.

U.S. regional. A pepper, spec. a green bell pepper.