fructification

noun

fruc·ti·fi·ca·tion ˌfrək-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən

ˌfru̇k-

: the reproductive organs or fruit of a plant

especially : sporophore

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin frūctificātiōn-, frūctificātiō, going back to Late Latin, "act of producing fruit," from frūctificāre "to bear fruit" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at fructify

Note: In English, an earlier sense was "act of producing fruit" (compare Middle English fructificacion "fruitfulness"), borrowed from Late Latin.

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of fructification was in 1753

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fructification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fructification. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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