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Glite Dictionary
epicarpal

epicarpal

9.9
On the outer skin of a fruit
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛpɪˈkɑrpəl/
  • Specialized
: epicárdico
  • The epicarpal tissue plays a crucial role in protecting the developing fruit.

Examples

  • Researchers examined the epicarpal structure under a microscope to study its wax composition.

  • The epicarpal layer of the fruit is often colorful.

  • Certain pests only attack the epicarpal layer of citrus fruits.

  • Many fruits have a thick epicarpal layer for protection.

  • The epicarpal layer of an apple is smooth and shiny.

  • In peaches, the epicarpal skin is fuzzed, giving it a unique texture.

  • During the study, scientists focused on the epicarpal characteristics of various fruit types.

Surface Forms

epicarpal positive

Morphology

epicarpal = epicarp (semi-transparent) = epi + carp + al

The adjective is formed regularly from the specialized noun 'epicarp' with '-al', but the base term itself is a technical botanical word that many learners may not know.

Etymology

Epicarpal comes from the parts epi- 'on', as in epicenter, and carp 'fruit'. So, epicarpal means something that is 'on' the fruit, for example the outer skin or outer layer of a fruit.