afterripening

noun

af·​ter·​rip·​en·​ing

¦af-tər-¦rī-pən-iŋ

: a complex enzymatic process occurring in seeds, bulbs, tubers, and fruits after harvesting and often necessary for subsequent germination or palatable consumption

Word History

Etymology

after- + ripening, gerund of ripen

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

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