caprification

[ kap-ruh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

, Horticulture.

1. a method of artificial pollination of fig trees by wasps that prick the buds on branches of the caprifig that have been hung in trees of the edible fig.

caprification

/ ˌkæprɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. a method of pollinating the edible fig by hanging branches of caprifig flowers in edible fig trees. Parasitic wasps in the caprifig flowers transfer pollen to the edible fig flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of caprification¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin caprifīcātiōn-, stem of caprifīcātiō, derivative of caprifīcāre “to fertilize by caprification” (equivalent to capr-, stem of caper “goat” + -i- + fīc-, stem of fīcus “wild fig” + -āre infinitive suffix); caprifig ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of caprification¹

C17: from Latin caprifīcātiō, from caprifīcāre to pollinate figs by this method, from caprifīcus caprifig

Example Sentences

Thirty or forty years ago I read all that I could find about caprification, and was utterly puzzled.

From Project Gutenberg

Some varieties of figs do not need caprification, but they are said to be unsuitable for drying or shipment.

From Project Gutenberg

The comparison of the fertilization of the date palm to the use of the wild fig refers to the practice of Caprification.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot learn that caprification is now practised in Italy, but it is still in use in Greece.

From Project Gutenberg