'aril' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'arillus', where 'arillus' meant 'a small skin or husk (around a seed)'.

'aril' changed from the Late Latin/Medieval Latin word 'arillus' and was adopted into English botanical vocabulary as 'aril' in modern usage.

Initially it referred generally to a small skin or husk associated with a seed; over time it became the technical botanical term for a fleshy or specialized seed outgrowth now called 'aril'.