Seedcases are protective coverings of seeds which ensure that they are not damaged during the germination process. They are also called seed coats or testa. The term pericarp is used to describe the protective layer of a fruit that covers the seed within it, while the term husk is used to describe the shell of certain types of seeds, such as those found in peanuts or sunflower seeds. Other synonyms for seedcases include hull, pod, shell, and casing. Each of these words may be used to describe different types of seed protection depending on the type of plant or seed being discussed.