The term SEED COATS is used to refer to the protective outer layers of a seed. The crossword solutions ARILS (5 letters), BRANS (5 letters), and TESTAE (6 letters) are all related to this term. Arils are the fleshy, brightly colored coatings that surround some seeds, such as those of the pomegranate. Brans are the hard, fibrous outer layers of grains, such as wheat and oats. Testae are the hard, dry outer layers of some seeds, such as those of the bean. All of these structures serve to protect the seed from damage and help it to survive until it can germinate.