Beekeeping Glossary
Capped Brood
Pupae whose cells have been sealed with a porous cover by mature bees to isolate them during their nonfeeding pupal period; also called sealed brood.
Cappings
A thin layer of wax used to cover the full cells of honey. This layer of wax is sliced from the surface of a honey-filled comb.
Castes
A term used to describe social insects of the same species and sex that differ in morphology or behavior. In honey bees there are two castes, workers and queens. The drones are a different sex and therefore not included.
Cell
The hexagonal compartment of comb built by honeybees. Nectar is stored in honeycomb cells, whereas bees in the brood nest develop in cells in combs there.
Chilled Brood
Bee larvae and pupae that have died from exposure to cold. This typically occurs in spring when the colony is expanding rapidly and on cold nights there aren't enough bees to keep the brood warm.
Chunk Honey
Honey cut from frames and placed in jars along with liquid honey.
Clarifying
Removing visible foreign material from honey or wax to increase its purity.
Clarifying Tank
Any tank or holding vessel that is use to temporarily store honey while the wax and other material separate from the honey.
Cluster
A large group of bees hanging together, one upon another.
Colony
All the worker bees, drones, queen, and developing brood living together in one hive or other dwelling.
Comb
A mass of six-sided cells made by honey bees in which brood is reared and honey and pollen are stored; composed of two layers united at their bases.
Comb Foundation
A commercially made structure consisting of thin sheets of beeswax with the cell bases of worker cells embossed on both sides in the same manner as they are produced naturally by honey bees.
Comb Honey
Honey produced and sold in the comb. It is produced either by cutting the comb from the frame or when the comb is built in special frames which allow for its easy removal.
Creamed Honey
Honey which has crystallized under controlled conditions to produce a tiny crystal and a smooth texture. Often a starter or seed is used to help control the crystallization.
Crimp-Wired Foundation
Comb foundation which crimp wire is embedded vertically during the manufacturing of the foundation. The wire increases the strength of the foundation.
Cross-Pollination
The transfer of pollen from an anther of one plant to the stigma of a different plant of the same species. Honeybees are excellent pollinators.
Crystallization
The formation of sugar crystals in honey. Syn. Granulation
Cut-Comb Honey
Comb honey cut into various sizes, the edges drained, and the pieces wrapped or packed individually