Meaning & use
ferment
To break down chemically through the action of yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms, often producing alcohol or acids.
See it in a sentence
Grape juice ferments into wine over several weeks as yeast converts sugar to alcohol.
She lets the cabbage ferment in salt water for a few days to make sauerkraut.
A note on using this word
Ferment is also used as a noun meaning widespread unrest or excitement, as in political ferment.
Words with a similar meaning
brewculture
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A state of excitement, agitation, or unrest, especially within a society.
The country was in a ferment of protest after the disputed election results were announced.
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