\Cap`ri*fi*ca"tion\, n. [L. caprificatio, fr.
caprificare to ripen figs by caprification, fr. caprificus
the wild fig; caper goat + ficus fig.]
The practice of hanging, upon the cultivated fig tree,
branches of the wild fig infested with minute hymenopterous
insects.
Note: It is supposed that the little insects insure
      fertilization by carrying the pollen from the male
      flowers near the opening of the fig down to the female
      flowers, and also accelerate ripening the fruit by
      puncturing it. The practice has existed since ancient
      times, but its benefit has been disputed.