Husk (or hull) in botany is the outer shell or coating of a seed. It often 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.
In cooking, hull can also refer to other waste parts of fruits and vegetables, notably the cap or sepal of a strawberry.
The husk of a legume and some similar fruits is called a pod.
Plantago-seed mucilage is often referred to as husk, or psyllium husk.
Crop plants of several species have been selected that have hulless seeds, including pumpkins, oats, and barley.