noun

aril

AR-il

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Aril (noun) means an aril is a layer of tissue that covers the seed in certain fruits, such as pomegranates. Example: “Each pomegranate seed is wrapped in a juicy red aril.”

noun

technical An aril is a layer of tissue that covers the seed in certain fruits, such as pomegranates.

"Each pomegranate seed is wrapped in a juicy red aril."

"The aril around the seed gives the fruit its distinctive colour and taste."

"Botanists examined the aril to help identify the plant species."

How to use aril

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn aril is the fleshy covering wrapped around a seed in some fruits.

When to use it

This is a specialist botanical term, mostly used when describing seed structure in plants.

Memory tip

Picture a pomegranate seed: the juicy red part around the hard centre is the aril.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

fleshy aril seed's aril red aril aril around the seed

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Each pomegranate seed is wrapped in a juicy red _____.

Etymology

Aril entered English around 1785 from New Latin arillus, a term also related to the Medieval Latin word arilli. French has a matching word, arille, borrowed from the same root.

Origin: New Latin

Frequently asked questions

What is an aril in a fruit?

It is the tissue that surrounds and covers the seed in certain fruits, such as the juicy covering around each pomegranate seed.

What fruit has an aril?

The pomegranate is a well-known example of a fruit where each seed is covered by an aril.

Is the aril the part you eat?

In fruits such as the pomegranate, yes, the aril is the fleshy, edible layer people eat around the seed.

What is the meaning of aril?

"aril" (noun) means an aril is a layer of tissue that covers the seed in certain fruits, such as pomegranates.