ferment

Noun
  1. A state of agitation or turbulent change or development (synset 114002988)
    "the political ferment produced new leadership"; "social unrest"
    is a type of: sturm und drang, turbulence, upheaval - a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally)
    same as: agitation, fermentation, tempestuousness, unrest
  2. A substance capable of bringing about fermentation (synset 114762931)
    is a type of: substance - a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties
  3. A process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances;
    Especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol (synset 113596636)
    is a type of: chemical action, chemical change, chemical process - (chemistry) any process determined by the atomic and molecular composition and structure of the substances involved
    subtypes:
    • 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
    same as: fermentation, fermenting, zymolysis, zymosis
Verb
  1. Be in an agitated or excited state (synset 201767155)
    "The Middle East is fermenting"; "Her mind ferments"
    is a type of: boil, seethe - be in an agitated emotional state
  2. Work up into agitation or excitement (synset 201765377)
    "This religion is fermenting Africa"
    is a type of: fire up, heat, ignite, inflame, stir up, wake - arouse or excite feelings and passions
  3. Cause to undergo fermentation (synset 200459709)
    "We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content"; "The vintner worked the wine in big oak vats"
    causes: ferment, sour, turn, work - go sour or spoil
    is a type of: convert - change the nature, purpose, or function of something
    subtypes: vinify - convert a juice into wine by fermentation
    same as: work
    verb group: ferment, sour, turn, work - go sour or spoil
  4. Go sour or spoil (synset 200459426)
    "The milk has soured"; "The wine worked"; "The cream has turned--we have to throw it out"
    is a type of: change state, turn - undergo a transformation or a change of position or action
    same as: sour, turn, work
    verb group: ferment, work - cause to undergo fermentation

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