1. the hard inner layer of a fruit that surrounds the seed
Usage: botanical

Examples

• The endocarp of a peach forms the hard pit that protects the seed inside.
• Cherry endocarps are typically discarded when eating the fruit.
• The walnut shell is actually the endocarp of the walnut fruit.
• Botanists study the endocarp structure to understand fruit development.
• The endocarp provides protection for the developing seed.
• In drupes like plums, the endocarp becomes woody and hard at maturity.