leaven

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A substance, such as yeast, added to dough to make it rise.

   Bakers add leaven so the bread will rise as it bakes.

2. 2
   verb

   To add a substance that makes dough rise.

   Yeast is used to leaven bread during baking.

3. 3
   noun

   An influence that subtly lightens or improves something.

   The serious report benefited from a leaven of humour.

4. 4
   verb

   To soften or brighten something serious with a lighter element.

   The comedian's jokes helped leaven the tense atmosphere.

From Middle English levayn, borrowed from Old French levain, from Vulgar Latin *levāmen, a noun based on Latin levō (“raise”).

Topics