an appendage on certain seeds, such as those of the yew and nutmeg, developed from or near the funicle of the ovule and often brightly coloured and fleshy
Derived forms
arillate (ˈarilˌlate)
adjective
Word origin
C18: from New Latin arillus, from Medieval Latin arilli raisins, pips of grapes
aril in American English
(ˈærɪl; ˈɛrɪl)
noun
an additional covering that forms on certain seeds after fertilization, developing from the stalk of the ovule