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

Other Words from yeast Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about yeast

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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

The upstarts sell everything from standard stouts, sours and pale ales to coconut curry wheat beer, avocado honey ale and beard beer, made with yeast brushed from a brewmaster’s whiskers. — Robert Lee Hotz, WSJ, "Beer Makers’ Steps to Mitigate Climate Change Might Not Be Enough, Study Shows," 15 Oct. 2018 Much like a coffee machine that uses pods to brew your beverage, the LG HomeBrew uses single-use capsules that contain yeast, hops, and malt. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "Brew Your Own Beer At Home So Easily With LG's New HomeBrew Device," 9 Jan. 2019 Although no definitive cause has been identified, a yeast (fungus) called malassezia that is in the oil secretion on the skin, seems to be the most likely culprit. — Mona Gohara, Good Housekeeping, "7 Common Scalp Issues — And How to Treat Them," 31 July 2018 Also, don’t forget to check the date on your instant yeast, to be sure yours hasn’t expired. — Alex Van Buren, Health.com, "Making No-Knead Bread Is So Much Easier Than You Think—and You’ll Use It in Meals All Week Long," 23 May 2018 The Oregon Food Bank has issued another round of recalls, this time advising customers to dispose of nutritional yeast and pumpkin seeds purchased on or after Nov. 1 of last year. — Eder Campuzano, OregonLive.com, "Oregon Food Bank recalls nutritional yeast, pumpkin seeds," 17 Mar. 2018 But when your vaginal pH isn’t in the right range, yeast can proliferate, leading to itching, burning, cottage cheese-esque discharge, and other yeast infection symptoms. — Jessica Wakeman, SELF, "If You Suspect Your Discharge Is Bleaching Your Underwear, You’re Probably Right," 17 Jan. 2019 The latter being a big draw, particularly for women, as kombucha is very high in sugar, which is a food source for yeast. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Why “Gut Shots” Are the Key to Healthy Holiday Eating," 22 Nov. 2018 In a liquid measuring cup, combine yeast, water, and 1 tablespoon sugar. — Virginia Willis, Country Living, "Buttermilk Angel Biscuits," 13 Mar. 2011

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

8 Mar 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