yeast

noun

\ ˈyēst

, especially Southern and Midland US ˈēst\

Definition of yeast

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a yellowish surface froth or sediment that occurs especially in saccharine liquids (such as fruit juices) in which it promotes alcoholic fermentation, consists largely of cells of a fungus (such as the saccharomyces, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and is used especially in the making of alcoholic liquors and as a leaven in baking

b : a commercial product containing yeast fungi in a moist or dry medium

c(1) : a unicellular fungus that is present and functionally active in yeast, usually has little or no mycelium, and reproduces by budding

(2) : any of various similar fungi

2 archaic : the foam or spume of waves

3 : something that causes ferment or activity were all seething with the yeast of revolt— J. F. Dobie

yeast

verb

yeasted; yeasting; yeasts

Definition of yeast (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: ferment, froth

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Examples of yeast in a Sentence

Noun

taxation without representation proved to be the yeast of rebellion

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Lao-lao, a rice whiskey, requires sticky rice to be steamed and washed, then fermented with yeast for a few days. — Jill K. Robinson, National Geographic, "Gordon Ramsay Travels the Mighty Mekong of Laos," 7 July 2019 In kitchens from Venice to Pasadena, bakers are milling their own flour, experimenting with wild yeasts, fermentation, and ancient grains, and turning out loaves that rival those in New York or San Francisco. — Rebecca Flint Marx, New York Times, "Los Angeles, Once Gluten’s Heart of Darkness, Emerges as Bread Paradise," 7 Mar. 2018 Separation of sour beers from regular production is advised because sour beers are brewed with wild yeast or bacteria, which can become airborne and infect other beers. — Kathy Flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Fermentorium plans to open new taproom and barrel house at North Ave. site in Wauwatosa," 13 Feb. 2018 One machine tests flower samples for mold and yeast. — Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati.com, "See inside an Ohio medical marijuana testing lab," 4 June 2019 Place flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a food processor fitted with the plastic blade; pulse to combine, 3 to 4 times. — Charlyne Mattox, Country Living, "Pizza Dough," 24 May 2019 So to control bacterial growth and thus continuity between batches, distillers take a certain amount of mash (grains, water, and yeast) that’s already been fermented and distilled and add it back into the current mash. — Andrew Daniels, Popular Mechanics, "Make This Flavor-Packed Old Fashioned for Memorial Day Weekend," 24 May 2019 Add the water to a large bowl, then sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top; whisk just to combine. — Ashley Rodriguez, Woman's Day, "A Make-Ahead Waffle Recipe That's Perfect for Mother's Day," 10 Apr. 2019 The researchers studied this phenomenon by depriving yeast and amoebas of nutrients. — Quanta Magazine, "‘Lava-Lamp’ Proteins May Help Cells Cheat Death," 26 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Same for dozens of styles of fish stew, yeasted rolls, cakes, and pies found around the world. — National Geographic, "The Secret History of the World's Priciest Spice," 3 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yeast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for yeast

The first known use of yeast was before the 12th century

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More Definitions for yeast

yeast

noun

English Language Learners Definition of yeast

: a type of fungus that is used in making alcoholic drinks (such as beer and wine) and in baking to help make dough rise

See the full definition for yeast in the English Language Learners Dictionary

yeast

noun

\ ˈyēst

Kids Definition of yeast

1 : a single-celled fungus that ferments sugar to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide

2 : a commercial product containing living yeast cells that is used in baking to make dough rise and in the making of alcoholic beverages (as wine)

yeast

noun

\ ˈyēst

Medical Definition of yeast

1 : a unicellular chiefly ascomycetous fungus (as of the family Saccharomycetaceae) that has usually little or no mycelium, that typically reproduces asexually by budding, and that includes forms (as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which cause alcoholic fermentation and are used especially in the making of alcoholic beverages and leavened bread

2 : a yellowish surface froth or sediment that occurs especially in sugary fermenting liquids (as fruit juices) and consists chiefly of yeast cells and carbon dioxide

3 : a commercial product containing yeast cells in a moist or dry medium