Main Entry: ¹leav·en

Pronunciation: \ˈle-vən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English levain, from Anglo-French levein, from Vulgar Latin *levamen, from Latin levare to raise — more at lever

Date: 14th century

1 a : a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid; especially : sourdough b : a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that lightens dough or batter
2 : something that modifies or lightens