pericarp

[ per-i-kahrp ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the walls of a ripened ovary or fruit, sometimes consisting of three layers, the epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp.
2. a membranous envelope around the cystocarp of red algae.

pericarp

/ ˈpɛrɪˌkɑːp /

noun

1. the part of a fruit enclosing the seeds that develops from the wall of the ovary
2. a layer of tissue around the reproductive bodies of some algae and fungi

pericarp

/ pĕr′ĭ-kärp′ /

1. The tissue that arises from the ripened ovary wall of a fruit; the fruit wall. In fleshy fruits, the pericarp can often be divided into the exocarp, the mesocarp, and the endocarp. For example, in a peach, the skin is the exocarp, the yellow flesh is the mesocarp, while the stone or pit surrounding the seed represents the endocarp.

Derived Forms

• ˌperiˈcarpial, adjective

Other Words From

• peri·carpi·al peri·carpic adjective
• peri·car·poidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pericarp¹

1750–60; < New Latin pericarpium < Greek perikárpion pod. See peri-, -carp

Word History and Origins

Origin of pericarp¹

C18: via French from New Latin pericarpium

Example Sentences

In the medlar the core (or true pericarp) is of a stony hardness, while the outer succulent covering is open at the summit.

From Project Gutenberg

Dehiscent—the pericarp splits to allow the escape of the seeds—generally many-seeded.

From Project Gutenberg

Pericarp generally differentiated into distinct layers, one of which is succulent or fibrous.

From Project Gutenberg

In an orthotropal seed attached to the base of the pericarp it is superior, as also in a suspended anatropal seed.

From Project Gutenberg

Pericarp woody, dehiscent at the tip by 2–4 valves; contains 1–4 seeds, slightly orbiculate, coriaceous.

From Project Gutenberg