Meaning & use

integument

noun·Advanced

A natural outer covering, such as skin, a shell, or a husk, that protects an organism.

See it in a sentence

The seed's tough integument protects the embryo inside until conditions favor germination.

Scientists studied the reptile's integument to understand how it retains moisture.

A note on using this word

Integument is a formal, scientific term used in biology and anatomy rather than everyday conversation.

Words with a similar meaning

coveringshell

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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