Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER'I-SPERM, n. [Gr. περι, around, and σπερμα, seed.]

A thick, farinaceous, fleshy, horny, woody, or bony part of the seed of plants, either entirely or only partially surrounding the embryo, and inclosed within the investing membrane. It is the albumen of Gærtner. – Jussieu. Smith.