Definify.com

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.
A method of ripening figs by means of a gnat or insect that pricks the bud.

Definition 2024


caprification

caprification

English

Noun

caprification (usually uncountable, plural caprifications)

  1. A process for pollinating figs by hanging clusters of wild fig (caprifig) flowers in the trees (pollen being transferred by wasps).