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Glite Dictionary
episperm

episperm

9.9
The outer covering of a seed that protects the young plant inside
  • noun
  • /ˈɛpɪˌsɜrm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : episperma
  • The episperm plays a crucial role in protecting the embryo within the seed.

Examples

  • Damage to the episperm can make seeds more susceptible to disease.

  • When studying bean seeds, you can easily see the episperm covering the surface.

  • The episperm protects the seed from environmental damage.

  • Some seeds have a thick episperm that aids in survival.

  • The episperm acts as a protective barrier for the embryo inside the seed.

  • In many plants, the episperm helps prevent water loss during germination.

  • You can examine the episperm to understand how seeds adapt to their environment.

Synonyms

testa
vsepisperm
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A hard outer covering of a seed that protects it

has identical meaning but is a different term for the same structure
seed coat
vsepisperm
  • Specialized
3.6

An outer covering of a seed that protects the young plant inside

has identical meaning but is presented as a different term for the same part

Surface Forms

episperm singular
episperms plural

Morphology

episperm = sperm (semi-transparent) = epi + sperm + epi

Formed by the combining form 'epi-' (on/upon) plus 'sperm' (seed); clear to those familiar with scientific compounds but not obvious to average learners.

Etymology

Episperm comes from the Greek parts epi- meaning 'on' and sperm meaning 'seed', so it literally means 'on the seed'. Think of it as the seed's 'skin' sitting on the outside, which is why episperm is the outer protective layer of a seed.