seed coat

noun

: an outer protective covering of a seed

Examples of seed coat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Soak seeds overnight in a bowl of water to soften the seed coat and discard any seeds that float. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025 Once tucked inside the seed coat, the starches, oils, and protein in endosperm keep for months. Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 Students are also taught that unlike the seed coats on Mendel’s peas, most human traits aren’t driven by single genes. Megan Molteni, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026 Their seeds adhere to random tree branches due to a sticky viscin on the seed coat that even survives its journey through a bird’s digestive system. Matt Kasson, Popular Science, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seed coat

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seed coat was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Seed coat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seed%20coat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

seed coat

noun
: the hard protective outer covering of a seed
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