noun
- a tough outer protective layer or covering of a body, plant, or seed
Usage: biological/medical
Examples
- The seed’s hard integument protects the embryo inside.
- Insects have a tough integument made of chitin.
- The integument of reptiles consists of scales.
- Damage to the plant’s integument can lead to infection.
- The outer integument of the seed coat prevents water loss.
- Birds’ integuments include both feathers and underlying skin.