Dictionary
1ferment
verb fer·ment \(ˌ)fər-ˈment\
: to go through a chemical change that results in the production of alcohol
Full Definition of FERMENT
intransitive verb
1
: to undergo fermentation
2
: to be in a state of agitation or intense activity
transitive verb
1
: to cause to undergo fermentation
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First Known Use of FERMENT
14th century
Related to FERMENT
Rhymes with FERMENT
absent, accent, Advent, anent, ascent, assent, augment, besprent, cement, comment, consent, content, convent, descent, detent, dissent, docent, event, extent, foment, fragment, frequent, hell-bent, indent, intent, invent, lament, loment, low-rent, mordent, outspent, percent, pigment, portent, present, prevent, pup tent, quitrent, rack-rent, relent, repent, resent, segment, Shymkent, Tashkent, torment, well-meant, wisent
2ferment
noun fer·ment \ˈfər-ˌment also (ˌ)fər-ˈ\
: a situation in which there is much excitement and confusion caused by change
Full Definition of FERMENT
1
a : a living organism (as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes b : enzyme
2
a : a state of unrest : agitation b : a process of active often disorderly development <the great period of creative ferment in literature — William Barrett>
See ferment defined for English-language learners
Origin of FERMENT
Middle English, from Latin fermentum yeast — more at barm
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to FERMENT
- Synonyms
- disquiet, unrest, fermentation, restiveness, restlessness, Sturm und Drang, turmoil, uneasiness, unquietness
- Antonyms
- calm, ease, peace, peacefulness, quiet, tranquillity (or tranquility)
Other Biochemistry Terms
FERMENT Defined for Kids
1ferment
verb fer·ment \fər-ˈment\
fer·ment·edfer·ment·ing
Definition of FERMENT for Kids
: to go through a chemical change that results in the production of alcohol
2ferment
noun fer·ment \ˈfər-ˌment\
Definition of FERMENT for Kids
1
: something (as yeast) that causes fermentation
2
: an excited state <Methuselah was in a ferment of eagerness … — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
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