aril
|ar-il|
/ˈærɪl/
fleshy seed covering
Etymology
'aril' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'arillus', where 'arillus' referred to a membranous or fleshy covering associated with a seed.
'arillus' entered scientific usage in New/Modern Latin and was adopted into English as 'aril' in the early 19th century, becoming the standard botanical term.
Initially, it meant 'a membranous or papery outgrowth' in earlier Latin usage, but over time it evolved into its current specialized botanical meaning of 'a fleshy or cup-like covering around a seed'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a specialized outgrowth from a seed's attachment (funiculus) or from the seed coat that partly or completely covers the seed; often fleshy or brightly colored (e.g., the edible pomegranate arils or the fleshy red structure around yew seeds).
The bright red arils of the pomegranate are juicy and edible.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/14 03:06