fermentation - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

Fermentation is the process in which a substance breaks down into a simpler substance. Microorganisms like yeast and bacteria usually play a role in the fermentation process, creating beer, wine, bread, kimchi, yogurt and other foods.

Fermentation comes from the Latin word fermentare, meaning “to leaven.” To make bread rise, you use a leavening agent to “wake up” dry yeast by mixing it with water. The yeast then starts “eating” the sugar in the dough and off-gassing alcohol: that’s fermentation. Grape juice becomes wine as the fermentation process is complete.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: fermentation

1	n	a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
2	n	a state of agitation or turbulent change or development

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: fermentation

1

n a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol

Synonyms:: ferment, fermenting, zymolysis, zymosis

Types:: bottom fermentation
a slow kind of alcoholic fermentation at a temperature low enough that the yeast cells can sink to the bottom of the fermenting liquid; used in the production of lager; top fermentation
a violent kind of alcoholic fermentation at a temperature high enough to carry the yeast cells to the top of the fermenting liquid; used in the production of ale; vinification
the process whereby fermentation changes grape juice into wine

Type of:: chemical action, chemical change, chemical process
(chemistry) any process determined by the atomic and molecular composition and structure of the substances involved

2

n a state of agitation or turbulent change or development

Synonyms:: agitation, ferment, tempestuousness, unrest

Type of:: Sturm und Drang, turbulence, upheaval
a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally)