The term SEED COVER is composed of three words: ARIL (4 letters), TESTA (5 letters), and HULL (4 letters). ARIL is a fleshy, often brightly colored outer covering of some seeds, such as those of the pomegranate. TESTA is the hard outer layer of a seed, which protects the embryo from damage and dehydration. HULL is the dry, protective outer covering of certain fruits or seeds, such as oats, wheat, and barley. Together, these three words describe the protective outer covering of a seed.