n.
Pronunciation: ' a-r ə l, ' er- ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: probably from New Latin arillus, from Medieval Latin, raisin, grape seed
Date: 1794
: an exterior covering or appendage of some seeds (as of the yew) that develops after fertilization as an outgrowth from the ovule stalk
– ar · il · late \ ' a-r ə - ˌ l ā t, ' er- ə - \ adjective