'Ficus Carica' definitions:
Definition of 'Ficus carica'
From: WordNet
noun
Mediterranean tree widely cultivated for its edible fruit [syn: fig, common fig, common fig tree, Ficus carica]
Definition of 'Ficus Carica'
From: GCIDE
- Fig \Fig\ (f[i^]g), n. [F. figue the fruit of the tree, Pr. figa, fr. L. ficus fig tree, fig. Cf. Fico.]
- 1. (Bot.) A small fruit tree (Ficus Carica) with large leaves, known from the remotest antiquity. It was probably native from Syria westward to the Canary Islands. [1913 Webster]
- 2. The fruit of a fig tree, which is of round or oblong shape, and of various colors. [1913 Webster]
- Note: The fruit of a fig tree is really the hollow end of a stem, and bears numerous achenia inside the cavity. Many species have little, hard, inedible figs, and in only a few does the fruit become soft and pulpy. The fruit of the cultivated varieties is much prized in its fresh state, and also when dried or preserved. See Caprification. [1913 Webster]
- 3. A small piece of tobacco. [U.S.] [1913 Webster]
- 4. The value of a fig, practically nothing; a fico; -- used in scorn or contempt. "A fig for Peter." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- Cochineal fig. See Conchineal fig.
- Fig dust, a preparation of fine oatmeal for feeding caged birds.
- Fig faun, one of a class of rural deities or monsters supposed to live on figs. "Therefore shall dragons dwell there with the fig fauns." --Jer. i. 39. (Douay version).
- Fig gnat (Zool.), a small fly said to be injurious to figs.
- Fig leaf, the leaf tree; hence, in allusion to the first clothing of Adam and Eve (Genesis iii.7), a covering for a thing that ought to be concealed; esp., an inadequate covering; a symbol for affected modesty.
- Fig marigold (Bot.), the name of several plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum, some of which are prized for the brilliancy and beauty of their flowers.
- Fig tree (Bot.), any tree of the genus Ficus, but especially F. Carica which produces the fig of commerce. [1913 Webster]