ferment
/fərˈmɛnt/
verb
- (of a substance) to undergo a chemical change in which sugars are broken down into alcohol, acids, or gases, often using yeast or bacteria.
- The cabbage was left to ferment in a jar to make sauerkraut.
- The grape juice will ferment into wine over several weeks.
- If you leave the dough too long, it will ferment and develop a sour smell.
- To cause a substance to undergo fermentation.
- She learned how to ferment vegetables at home for pickling.
- The brewer ferments the mixture in large steel tanks.
- They ferment the soybeans to create miso paste.
- To be in a state of excitement, unrest, or agitation.
- Anger fermented in the crowd as the speech went on.
- Political ideas began to ferment among the students.
- Discontent had been fermenting for months before the protest.
noun
- A state of agitation, excitement, or unrest.
- The new policy caused a ferment of debate in the community.
- The country was in a ferment after the election results.
- The city was in a ferment of activity during the festival.
- A substance that causes fermentation, such as yeast or a fermenting agent.
- Traditional bread uses a natural ferment instead of commercial yeast.
- The ferment in the vat bubbled as it worked.
- The baker added a ferment to the dough to help it rise.