Definition

1. Noun:
   • The hard inner (usually woody) layer of the pericarp of some fruits: The endocarp is the innermost layer of a fruit's wall (pericarp), which is often hard and woody. It directly surrounds and protects the seed(s).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The endocarp of a peach is the hard pit that encloses the seed.
  • Botanists study the structure of the endocarp in different fruit species.
  • You must crack the tough endocarp to reach the edible kernel inside.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: In botanical terminology, the is one of the three layers of the pericarp, along with the exocarp (skin) and mesocarp (fleshy part). Its texture (stony, leathery, papery) is a key characteristic for fruit classification.
  • In drupes like cherries, the endocarp is stony and is commonly called a "stone" or "pit".

Variants and Related Words

• Pericarp (n): The entire wall of a fruit, developed from the ovary wall, consisting of the exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp.
• Drupe (n): A type of fruit with a fleshy mesocarp and a hard, stony endocarp surrounding a single seed (e.g., peach, plum, olive).
• Stone (n): The common, non-botanical term for the hard and the seed it contains in fruits like peaches and plums.

Synonyms

• Pit (n): Common synonym, especially for the stony of fruits like cherries or peaches.
• Stone (n): Common synonym for a hard .

Related Phrases

• "To remove the endocarp": To take out the hard inner layer, often to access the seed or flesh.
  • The recipe instructs you to remove the endocarp from the dates before blending.

Noun

1. the hard inner (usually woody) layer of the pericarp of some fruits (as peaches or plums or cherries or olives) that contains the seed
   • you should remove the stones from prunes before cooking