hull
Plural
hulls
1
the outer covering or shell of a seed or fruit
The hull of a fruit refers to the outer covering or protective layer that encases the seeds or edible portion. It is typically tough, fibrous, or leathery in texture and serves to protect the seeds from damage, moisture loss, and external threats such as pests and disease. The hull may also play a role in dispersing seeds, either by aiding in their attachment to animals or by providing a barrier that breaks open to release the seeds when the fruit ripens. In some fruits, such as strawberries and peanuts, the hull is removed before consumption, while in others, such as almonds and walnuts, it remains intact.
- He carefully removed the hull of the walnut before cracking it open.
- She used a knife to scrape the hull off the coconut to reveal the white flesh inside.
2
the main body or framework of a ship or boat, typically the outer shell that provides buoyancy and protects against water
- The hull of the yacht was sleek and made of reinforced fiberglass.
- The naval architect designed the hull of the warship for maximum speed and stability.
- They repaired the damaged hull of the fishing boat after it collided with a reef.
- The submarine's hull was made of titanium alloy to withstand the pressures of deep-sea exploration.
- The shipyard workers painted the hull of the cargo ship before its voyage across the Atlantic.
Synonyms:
3
persistent enlarged calyx at base of e.g. a strawberry or raspberry