Ferment (en. Ferment)

/fɛʁ.mɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Process of decomposition of organic substances by the action of microorganisms.

The ferment is essential in bread production as it allows the dough to rise.

Le ferment est essentiel dans la production de pain, car il permet la levée de la pâte.

Substance that causes fermentation.

Lactic ferments are used in yogurt production.

Les ferments lactiques sont utilisés dans la fabrication du yaourt.

verb

To cause fermentation.

Sugars ferment to produce alcohol.

Les sucres fermentent pour produire de l'alcool.

Refers to a state of agitation or turmoil.

Current events are fermenting in society.

Les événements actuels fermentent dans la société.

From the Latin 'fermentum', derived from 'fervere', which means to boil.

ferment of anxiety

State of increasing anxiety.

ferment de l'angoisse

to be in full ferment

To be in a state of confusion or turmoil.

être en plein ferment

fermentation

Process by which microorganisms transform substances.

fermentation

Excessive agitation or excitement.

This story caused a real ferment among the students.

Cette histoire a causé un vrai ferment parmi les étudiants.

Mix or confusion.

There is a ferment of ideas in this debate.

Il y a un ferment d'idées dans ce débat.