fermentation

noun

fer·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfər-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

plural fermentations

1

a

: the enzyme-catalyzed anaerobic breakdown of an energy-rich compound (such as a carbohydrate to carbon dioxide and alcohol or to an organic acid) by the action of microorganisms (such as bacteria or yeast) that occurs naturally and is commonly used in the production of various products (such as food, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals) especially by controlling microbial enzymatic activity

The wine then undergoes a long fermentation that results in a high alcohol content (15 to 17 percent) and a dry wine.

—Kim Marcus

The panda is quite unlike most other herbivores, however, whose digestive tracts contain bacteria and protozoans that break down hard-to-digest plant materials through fermentation.

—Miriam Levine Helbok

During a starter's fermentation, yeast produces alcohol, carbon dioxide, and sulfur compounds, all of which contribute to good bread's unique flavor.

—J. Kenji Alt

Cultured butter is made from cream in which fermentation—the conversion of milk sugars into lactic acid—has begun to take place.

—Ben Mims

broadly : any of various enzyme-catalyzed aerobic or anaerobic processes (such as oxidation) involving transformation of organic compounds

Most of the catechins are oxidized during the natural fermentation process that converts fresh green tea leaves to black tea.

—Food & Fitness Advisor

Tobacco fermentation is basically highly controlled composting, and releases many chemicals and impurities that would otherwise ruin the tobacco's flavor.

—Tad Gage

b

: an instance or occurrence of fermentation

The process is simplicity itself—a couple of fermentations, a gradual tilting of the bottle to remove the sediment and a final addition of sugar to make it brut or doux.

—Miles Kington

The ancient Chinese also stored vegetables in a pickling brine with a vinegar base. Various vinegars, made from fermentations of rice, wheat, grapes, or even peaches, were used.

—Nina Simonds

2

: ferment sense 2

Music concerts, poetry readings, and other progressive campus activities can produce intellectual fermentation and thought provoking ideas.

—Robert Hoffman

Synonyms

• disquiet
• ferment
• restiveness
• restlessness
• Sturm und Drang
• turmoil
• uneasiness
• unquietness
• unrest

Examples of fermentation in a Sentence

a wave of change followed by a period of social fermentation

Recent Examples on the Web

The chef’s fermentation methods combined with Svalbard’s unique proteins means diners are walloped by strong, punchy flavors, particularly the Svalbard seal on a chickpea pancake topped with blueberry. —Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2024

The state takes its wine-making process pretty seriously, with Appalachian State University offering a fermentation science program. —Patrice J. Williams, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024

Cooper says one of the major outcomes of going organic was their decision to switch to native yeast fermentation beginning in 2011. —Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

Beyond its own production, Proper Sake also sells its koji to restaurants throughout the South for their fermentation programs. —Shana Clarke, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s website says its beni koji products use a strain of bacteria in fermentation that does not produce citrinin. —Himari Semans, CNN, 28 Mar. 2024

The type of tea used for the kombucha base affects the overall flavor of the drink and there’s much debate as to which tea is the best for fermentation. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Since gaining acclaim across Europe for their unique approach to bread-making and sourdough fermentation, Vulin and Vidović are setting their sights on North America. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024

This luscious wine is made from Pinot Noir clones 828 and 777 and was allowed to complete malolactic fermentation before transfer to 55 percent new French oak barrels for an additional 16 months of aging. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

fermentation

noun

fer·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfər-mən-ˈtā-shən 

-ˌmen-

: chemical breaking down of a substance (as in the souring of milk or the formation of alcohol from sugar) produced by an enzyme and often accompanied by the formation of a gas

fermentative

(ˌ)fər-ˈment-ət-iv

adjective

Medical Definition

fermentation

noun

fer·​men·​ta·​tion ˌfər-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen- 

: the enzyme-catalyzed anaerobic breakdown of an energy-rich compound (as a carbohydrate to carbon dioxide and alcohol or to an organic acid) by the action of microorganisms (as bacteria or yeast) that occurs naturally and is commonly used in the production of various products (as food, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals) especially by controlling microbial enzymatic activity

… Pasteur proved that microorganisms cause fermentation, the process that turns grape juice into wine.

—Ken Reese, Today's Chemist

broadly : any of various enzyme-catalyzed aerobic or anaerobic processes (such as oxidation) involving transformation of organic compounds

Most of the catechins are oxidized during the natural fermentation process that converts fresh green tea leaves to black tea.

—Food & Fitness Advisor