n. 1. A wild variety of Mediterranean fig (Ficus carica) used in the caprification of certain edible figs. 2. The pear-shaped structure on this plant that encloses numerous small flowers and later develops into an inedible multiple fruit. [Middle English, from Latin caprifīcus (influenced by Middle English fig, fig) : caper, capr-, goat + fīcus, fig; see FIG1.] |
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