(from περικαρπος "round," and καρπος "fruit.") the seed-veil; that organ of a plant containing the seeds, which it discharges when ripe. The seed-veil is in fact the developed seed-bud, and may very properly be compared to the fecundated ovary in animals; for it does not exist till after the fertilizing of the seeds by the male-dust, and the consequent fall of the flower. All plants, however, are not furnished with a seed-veil; in such as are deprived of it, the receptacle or calyx performs its functions by inclosing the seeds, as in a matrix, and accompanying them to perfect maturity.