fermented; fermenting; ferments
Definition of ferment
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to undergo fermentation
The wine ferments in oak barrels.
2
: to be in a state of agitation or intense activity
everything ferments in him—his thoughts, sensations, and memories; nothing stays quiet— Janet Flanner
1
: to cause to undergo fermentation
Yeast ferments the sugar in the juice.
2
: to work up (as into a state of agitation) : foment
ferment
nounDefinition of ferment (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: a living organism (such as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes
b
: enzyme
2a
: a state of unrest : agitation
b
: a process of active often disorderly development
the great period of creative ferment in literature— William Barrett
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for ferment
The first known use of ferment was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century