1. the outer wall or covering of a fungal fruiting body, especially in puffballs and other fungi
Usage: botanical; mycological

Examples

• The peridium of the puffball mushroom protects the spores inside.
• When mature, the peridium splits open to release the fungal spores.
• The thick peridium helps identify this particular species of fungus.
• Scientists examined the peridium structure under a microscope.
• The peridium changes color as the fungus matures.