yeast

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   any of various single-celled fungi that ferment sugars and reproduce chiefly by budding

   The laboratory identified a strain of yeast that tolerates high temperatures.

2. 2
   noun

   a preparation containing yeast, used to make dough rise or to ferment beer and other drinks

   Dissolve the yeast in warm water before adding it to the flour.

From Middle English yest or yeest and Old English gist or gyst, from a West Germanic word for fermenting foam. It is related to Dutch gist and German Gischt, 'spray or foam.' The connection reflects the froth produced as yeast ferments sugars.

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