fermentation

Everyday

1. Fermentation is a natural change in which tiny living things like yeast or bacteria break down sugars, often making gas, acid or alcohol. tree →
2. It is how bread rises, how yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut and kimchi are made, and how wine and beer are made. tree →
3. (figurative, formal) Fermentation can mean excitement or unrest among people. tree →

In the lessons

Science lessons on microorganisms (yeast blowing up a balloon), cooking and food lessons. Phrases: yeast fermentation, fermented foods, during fermentation.

Examples

• Yeast fermentation makes bread dough rise. tree →
• We watched fermentation blow up a balloon on a bottle. tree →
• Yoghurt is made by fermentation of milk. tree →
• Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish from Korea. tree →
• Fermentation gives off carbon dioxide gas. tree →
• Warmth speeds up fermentation. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Fermentation needs living microbes, food (sugar) and warmth; too hot kills yeast. Not the same as rotting, though both use microbes. Do not mix up with «fomentation».