after-ripening

[ af-ter-rahy-puh-ning, ahf- ]

noun

1. biochemical or physical changes that occur in a dormant seed to ensure germination and in fruits after harvesting.
2. the period during which this occurs.

after-ripening

noun

1. botany the period of internal change that is necessary in some apparently mature seeds before germination can occur

Word History and Origins

Origin of after-ripening¹

First recorded in 1840–45