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Webster 1913 Edition
Caprification
Capˊri-fi-ca′tion
,Noun.
[L.
caprificatio
, fr. caprificare
to ripen figs by caprification, fr. caprificus
the wild fig; caper
goat + ficus
fig.] The practice of hanging, upon the cultivated fig tree, branches of the wild fig infested with minute hymenopterous insects.
☞ It is supposed that the little insects insure fertilization by carrying the pollen from the male flowers near the opening of the fig down to the female flowers, and also accelerate ripening the fruit by puncturing it. The practice has existed since ancient times, but its benefit has been disputed.
Webster 1828 Edition
Caprification
CAPRIFICATION
,Noun.
Definition 2024
caprification
caprification
English
Noun
caprification (usually uncountable, plural caprifications)
- A process for pollinating figs by hanging clusters of wild fig (caprifig) flowers in the trees (pollen being transferred by wasps).