Definition of ferment
intransitive verb
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
transitive verb
1 : to cause to undergo fermentation Yeast ferments the sugar in the juice.
2 : to work up (as into a state of agitation) : foment
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Examples of ferment in a sentence
The wine ferments in oak barrels.
Yeast ferments the sugar in the juice.
Origin and Etymology of ferment
see 2ferment
First Known Use: 14th century
Definition of ferment
1a : a living organism (such as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymesb : enzyme
2a : a state of unrest : agitationb : a process of active often disorderly development the great period of creative ferment in literature — William Barrett
Examples of ferment in a sentence
The city was in a state of ferment after the election.
the city was in ferment as its residents nervously awaited the airborne invasion that was sure to come
Origin and Etymology of ferment
Middle English, from Latin fermentum yeast — more at barm
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Biochemistry Terms
FERMENT Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of ferment for English Language Learners
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: to go through a chemical change that results in the production of alcohol
Definition of ferment for English Language Learners
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: a situation in which there is much excitement and confusion caused by change
FERMENT Defined for Kids
Definition of ferment for Students
fermented
;fermenting
: to go through a chemical change that results in the production of alcohol
Definition of ferment for Students
1 : something (as yeast) that causes fermentation
2 : an excited state Methuselah was in a ferment of eagerness … — Brian Jacques, Redwall
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of ferment
: to undergo fermentation
transitive verb
: to cause to undergo fermentation
Medical Definition of ferment
1a: a living organism (as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymesb: enzyme
2: fermentation
Learn More about ferment
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See words that rhyme with ferment Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ferment Spanish Central: Translation of ferment Nglish: Translation of ferment for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ferment for Arabic speakers
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