fermentation

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ˌfɝmənˈteɪʃən/ UK /ˌfɜːmənˈteɪʃən/ See IPA manual

Freq #46778

Meanings

1

noun
a metabolic process in which microorganisms or enzymes convert organic substances, often sugars, without oxygen

During fermentation, yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
2

noun
the controlled use of that process to make foods, drinks, chemicals, or fuels

The cheese develops its flavor through careful fermentation.
3

noun
a state of energetic agitation, excitement, or social change

The decade was a period of political fermentation and new ideas.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · a metabolic process in... zymosis

2 noun · the controlled use of that... fermenting

3 noun · a state of energetic... ferment agitation turmoil

Word family

Derived forms autofermentationbiofermentationcofermentationlactofermentationphotofermentation

Related forms ferment yeast enzyme

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

bottom fermentation
cool fermentation using yeast that settles low in the liquid, as in lager brewing

Noun + noun

Etymology

From Middle English fermentacioun and Latin fermentatio, from fermentare ("to ferment") and fermentum ("leaven"). Its figurative sense compares social or intellectual agitation to an active, bubbling ferment.

Topics

Actions & Processes Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# fermentation

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ˌfɝmənˈteɪʃən/
**IPA (UK):** /ˌfɜːmənˈteɪʃən/
**Frequency rank:** 46778

## Meanings
1. a metabolic process in which microorganisms or enzymes convert organic substances, often sugars, without oxygen
2. the controlled use of that process to make foods, drinks, chemicals, or fuels
3. a state of energetic agitation, excitement, or social change

## Examples
- During fermentation, yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- The cheese develops its flavor through careful fermentation.
- The decade was a period of political fermentation and new ideas.

## Synonyms
- fermenting
- zymosis
- ferment

## Derived Forms
- autofermentation
- biofermentation
- cofermentation
- lactofermentation
- photofermentation

## Related Forms
- ferment
- yeast
- enzyme

## Etymology
From Middle English fermentacioun and Latin fermentatio, from fermentare ("to ferment") and fermentum ("leaven"). Its figurative sense compares social or intellectual agitation to an active, bubbling ferment.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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