Seedcase is a botanical term that refers to the outer protective covering of a seed. There are several synonyms for the word seedcase, including seed coat, testa, pericarp, and hull. Seed coat describes the protective layer that surrounds a seed and also regulates water absorption. Testa is another term used to describe the seed coat, which is the outermost layer of the seed. Pericarp refers to the protective layer that covers the seed and is typically found on fruits. Finally, hull is a term commonly used to describe the outer layer of cereal grains, including oats, barley, and wheat. Regardless of the term used, the seedcase serves an important function in the protection and germination of seeds.