caprification

noun

cap·​ri·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌka-prə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce caprification (audio)
: artificial pollination of figs that usually bear only pistillate flowers by hanging male flowering branches of the caprifig in the trees to facilitate pollen transfer by a fig wasp

Word History

Etymology

Latin caprification-, caprificatio, from caprificare to pollinate by caprification, from caprificus

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caprification was in 1601

Dictionary Entries Near caprification

caprificate

caprification

caprifig

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Caprification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caprification. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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