fermentative

adjective

fer·​men·​ta·​tive (ˌ)fər-ˈmen-tə-tiv How to pronounce fermentative (audio)
1
: causing or producing a substance that causes fermentation
fermentative organisms
2
: of, relating to, or produced by fermentation

Examples of fermentative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But even though our forebearers were scientists in their own right — harnessing the natural processes of fermentative microbes to create all kinds of novel food sources, from bread to kimchi, beer and wine, pickles, yogurt, and more — there is still so much to learn about this microbial world. Erin McKenney, Discover Magazine, 15 June 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fermentative was in 1661

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Cite this Entry

“Fermentative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fermentative. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

fermentative

adjective
fer·​men·​ta·​tive (ˌ)fər-ˈment-ət-iv How to pronounce fermentative (audio)
1
: causing or producing a substance that causes fermentation
fermentative organisms
2
: of, relating to, or produced by fermentation
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