caper
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1ca·per
noun \ˈkā-pər\Definition of CAPER
1
: any of a genus (Capparis of the family Capparidaceae, the caper family) of low prickly shrubs of the Mediterranean region; especially : one (C. spinosa) cultivated for its buds
2
: one of the greenish flower buds or young berries of the caper pickled and used as a seasoning or garnish
Origin of CAPER
back-formation from earlier capers (taken as a plural), from Middle English caperis, from Latin capparis, from Greek kapparis
First Known Use: 14th century
2caper
intransitive verbca·peredca·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of CAPER
: to leap or prance about in a playful manner
Examples of CAPER
- a young goat capering in its pen
- <as summer drew to a close, the children spent their days wistfully capering on the beach>
Origin of CAPER
probably by shortening & alteration from capriole
First Known Use: 1588
3caper
nounDefinition of CAPER
1
: a frolicsome leap
2
: a capricious escapade : prank
3
: an illegal or questionable act; especially : theft
First Known Use of CAPER
1592
caper
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Any of the low prickly shrubs that make up the genus Capparis (family Capparaceae), of the Mediterranean region. The European caperbush (C. spinosa) is known for its flower buds, which are pickled in vinegar and used as a spicy condiment. The term caper also refers to one of the pickled flower buds or young berries. Buds of C. decidua are eaten as potherbs, and curries are prepared from seeds and fruits of C. zeylandica.
Learn More About CAPER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: caper berry
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Cape primrose
All Words Near: caper
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Cape primrose
All Words Near: caper
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up caper? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
