testa

Thân thiện

The farmer examines the testa of a sunflower seed.

Definition

Noun: - The hard, protective outer layer or coat of a seed, especially in flowering plants. It develops from the outer integument of the ovule after fertilization.

Usage

The word "testa" is a specialized botanical term. It is used to describe a specific part of a seed's anatomy. It is typically a singular noun, with the plural form being "testae" or "testas."

Examples

• The testa of a bean seed is thick and smooth.
• Botanists study the texture and color of the seed testa.
• A crack in the testa can allow water to enter and initiate germination.

Advanced Usage

• "Testal" (adjective): Pertaining to or of the nature of a testa.
  • The testal surface pattern is unique to this species.
• In botanical descriptions, the condition of the testa is often noted.
  • Seeds with a reticulate testa. (Seeds with a net-like patterned seed coat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Seed coat: A more common, non-technical synonym for testa.
• Tegmen: A related term sometimes referring to an inner seed coat layer in some seeds.
• Integument: The protective layer of the ovule that develops into the testa.

Synonyms

• Seed coat
• Seed shell (in a general sense)

Notes

"Testa" is not used in idioms, phrasal verbs, or common figurative language. Its use is almost exclusively confined to scientific and botanical contexts.

Học thuật

Noun

1. protective outer layer of seeds of flowering plants

Từ đồng nghĩa

• episperm
• seed coat