ferment

Everyday

1. (science) To ferment means to change chemically because of yeast or bacteria, which break down sugar and make gas, acid or alcohol. tree →
2. To ferment trouble means to cause it or stir it up (more often «foment»). tree →
3. (noun, formal) A ferment is a state of excitement, unrest or trouble in a group of people. tree →

In the lessons

In science and cooking lessons pupils learn that bread rises because yeast ferments sugar and makes carbon dioxide; yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi and soy sauce are made by fermentation. In history and formal writing, «in a ferment» means people are restless. Phrases: «leave to ferment», «in a state of ferment».

Examples

• Yeast makes the dough ferment and rise. tree →
• Milk ferments into yoghurt. tree →
• Cabbage is fermented to make sauerkraut. tree →
• The grape juice fermented in big barrels. tree →
• We watched a balloon fill with gas from fermenting sugar water. tree →
• The city was in a ferment after the news. tree →
• Kimchi is fermented cabbage from Korea. tree →

Note

Regular verb: fermented. Noun: fermentation. Stress: verb «fer-MENT», noun «FER-ment». Trap: «ferment» is often confused with «foment» (to stir up trouble); «foment» is the correct word for that sense. Fermentation needs living microbes; it is not the same as rotting, though both use microbes.

In Jewish tradition

In Psalm 73 it means a heart that is stirred up and bitter, troubled by seeing the wicked do well.

Interpretation. The psalm is read as a struggle with the old question of why the wicked prosper. The speaker finds peace only when he enters God's sanctuary and understands their end.

Examples

• For my heart was in a ferment, and I was pricked in my reins. (Writings PSA.73.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: fermented. Noun: fermentation. Stress: verb «fer-MENT», noun «FER-ment». Trap: «ferment» is often confused with «foment» (to stir up trouble); «foment» is the correct word for that sense. Fermentation needs living microbes; it is not the same as rotting, though both use microbes.