Husk (or hull) in botany is the outer shell or coating of a seed.

Noun

It usually refers to the leafy outer covering of an ear of maize (corn) as it grows on the plant. Literally, a husk or hull includes the protective outer covering of a seed, fruit or vegetable. It can also refer to the exuvia of bugs or small animals left behind after moulting.

Plantago-seed mucilage is often referred to as husk, or psyllium husk.

Verb

To husk corn is to remove its inner layers leaving only the cob or seed rack of the corn.

See also

• Chaff
• Bran
• Horsebread (a type of bread in which the chaff is not removed)