integumentсуществительное A natural outer covering or coat, such as the skin of an animal or the membrane enclosing an organ. The integument of the fruit protects the seeds inside from damage.
The protective outer layer of an ovule that develops into the seed coat after fertilization. During seed development, the integument hardens to form the testa.
Anything that covers, encases, or conceals something else. An integument of secrecy surrounded the negotiations.