caprification

English

Etymology

From Latin caprifīcātiōnem, ultimately from Latin caprifīcus (“wild fig tree”).

Noun

caprification (usually uncountable, plural caprifications)

1. A process for ripening, or pollinating, figs by means of their being punctured artificially, in a manner designed to replicate the way they are pierced by certain insects, which was once thought to aid in their reproduction.
   • 1789, Erasmus Darwin, The Loves of the Plants, J. Johnson, page 160:

     I should conjecture […] that the caprification is either an antient process of imaginary use, and blindly followed in some countries, or that it may contribute to ripen the fig by decreasing its vigour […] .

Related terms

• caprificate
• caprify