epicarp

American  

[ep-i-kahrp] / ˈɛp ɪˌkɑrp /

noun

Botany.

1. the outermost layer of a pericarp, as the rind or peel of certain fruits.

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epicarp British  

/ ˈɛpɪˌkɑːp /

noun

1. the outermost layer of the pericarp of fruits: forms the skin of a peach or grape

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epicarp Scientific  

/ ĕp′ĭ-kärp′ /

1. See exocarp

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Etymology

Origin of epicarp

First recorded in 1825–35; epi- + -carp

Example Sentences

In the melon the epicarp and endocarp are very thin, while the mesocarp forms the bulk of the fruit, differing in texture and taste in its external and internal parts.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various

The drupe is a succulent usually one-seeded indehiscent fruit, with a pericarp easily distinguishable into epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various

Botanists distinguish five skins on the berry—epidermis, epicarp, endicarp, episperm and embryous membrane—but for practical purposes the number of integuments may be taken as three.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various

Mooden Sheriff ascribes its emetic properties to the pulp alone, the epicarp and seeds being inactive according to his authority.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

At intervals along the surface of the epicarp are stomata, or breathing pores, surrounded by guard cells.

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)

Related Words

• crust