aril

[ar-il]

noun

Botany.

1. a usually fleshy appendage or covering of certain seeds, as of the bittersweet, Celastrus scandens, or the nutmeg.

aril

/ ˈærɪl /

noun

1. an appendage on certain seeds, such as those of the yew and nutmeg, developed from or near the funicle of the ovule and often brightly coloured and fleshy

aril

1. A fleshy seed cover which arises from the funiculus (the stalk of the ovule). Arils, such the red berry-like arils of the yew, are often brightly colored to attract animals who eat them and disperse the seeds. The spice mace is the aril of the nutmeg seed.

Other Word Forms

• arillate adjective
• arilloid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aril¹

1785–95; < New Latin arillus; Medieval Latin: grape seed, probably erroneously for armillus, with same sense; compare Upper Italian dialect armella, arma kernel, pit of a fruit, Italian animella edible insides of an animal < Latin anima literally, spirit (hence, the insides of a thing), with -illa diminutive suffix; anima

Word History and Origins

Origin of aril¹

C18: from New Latin arillus, from Medieval Latin arilli raisins, pips of grapes

Example Sentences

One way I incorporate fruit is by tossing juicy pomegranate arils into salads or topping plant-based yogurt with berries for a sweet dessert-like treat.

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Now, in the dark days of winter, is the time of year I especially appreciate pomegranate seeds — or arils, if you’re feeling fancy.

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If squeezing the juice fresh, run the arils through a traditional juicer or put them in a blender, but in either case, strain through a fine-mesh sieve before proceeding with the recipe.

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Come for the beautiful ice ring studded with whole spices and pomegranate arils and stay for the festive fruit flavor in every sip of this bubbly beverage.

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Remove from the heat, garnish with the walnut halves, pomegranate arils and orange zest, if desired, and serve family-style, with rice.

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Related Words

• chaff 
• pod 
• rind