The outer layer or theca of an organism, particularly in corals and certain fungi; the external sheath.
From Greek exō (outside) + thēkion (small case), a diminutive form of thēkē. This botanical term specifically describes the outermost protective structure in certain organisms.
In fungi and corals, the exothecium is like the outer wall of a fortress—and scientists can actually identify different species just by looking at how their exotheciums are structured!
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