ferment
ferment Lexical Profile
ferment Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To undergo or cause to undergo a chemical breakdown of organic sugars into alcohol, gases, or acids through the action of yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms.
"The winemaker allows the crushed grapes to ferment in oak barrels for several weeks."
To stir up, incite, or experience intense social, political, or emotional agitation and unrest.
"Radical new ideas began to ferment among the university students during the late nineteenth century."
• noun
A state of widespread agitation, excitement, or tumultuous change, especially in a political, social, or intellectual context.
"The capital remained in a state of political ferment for months following the constitutional crisis."
A substance or living organism, such as yeast, bacteria, or an enzyme, that causes fermentation.
"The traditional baker kept a small jar of natural ferment to leaven the daily loaves of sourdough bread."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the verb 'ferment' with 'foment': although both can mean to stir up trouble or agitation, 'foment' is strictly used for instigating rebellion or discord, whereas 'ferment' primarily refers to chemical decomposition or a state of simmering excitement. As a noun ('FER-ment'), the stress falls on the first syllable; as a verb ('fer-MENT'), the stress falls on the second.
• Rhymes for ferment
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French ferment and directly from Latin fermentum ('leaven, yeast, fermented drink'), contracted from *fervimentum, from the verb fervere ('to boil, seethe, foam').