hilum

Definition

The eye of a bean or other seed; the mark or scar at the point of attachment of an ovule or seed to its base or support.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin hīlum (“a trifle; a spot on a seed”).

Example Sentences

• "The hilum is very prominent in some species and nearly flat in others."
• "On the tip of each corn kernel is a hilum, collectively known as the "black layer," where it is attached to the cob. While corn is growing, nutrients are being transferred from the rest of the cob to the kernels through the hilum."
• "In central hilum starch grains the grain is laid down around the hilum in the form of concentric layers."