Main Entry:

ar·il

Pronunciation:

\ˈa-rəl, ˈer-əl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

probably from New Latin arillus, from Medieval Latin, raisin, grape seed

Date:

1794

: an exterior covering or appendage of some seeds (as of the yew) that develops after fertilization as an outgrowth from the ovule stalk

— ar·il·late \ˈa-rə-ˌlāt, ˈer-ə-\ adjective