fermentation
noun
fer·men·ta·tion
ˌfər-mən-ˈtā-shən 
-ˌmen-
plural fermentations
1
a
: the enzyme-catalyzed anaerobic breakdown of an energy-rich compound (such as a carbohydrate to carbon dioxide and alcohol or to an organic acid) by the action of microorganisms (such as bacteria or yeast) that occurs naturally and is commonly used in the production of various products (such as food, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals) especially by controlling microbial enzymatic activity
The wine then undergoes a long fermentation that results in a high alcohol content (15 to 17 percent) and a dry wine.—
Kim Marcus
Kim MarcusThe panda is quite unlike most other herbivores, however, whose digestive tracts contain bacteria and protozoans that break down hard-to-digest plant materials through fermentation.—Miriam Levine Helbok
Miriam Levine HelbokDuring a starter's fermentation, yeast produces alcohol, carbon dioxide, and sulfur compounds, all of which contribute to good bread's unique flavor.—J. Kenji Alt
J. Kenji AltCultured butter is made from cream in which fermentation—the conversion of milk sugars into lactic acid—has begun to take place.—Ben Mims
Ben Mims
broadly
: any of various enzyme-catalyzed aerobic or anaerobic processes (such as oxidation) involving transformation of organic compounds
Most of the catechins are oxidized during the natural fermentation process that converts fresh green tea leaves to black tea. —Food & Fitness Advisor
Food & Fitness Advisor Tobacco fermentation is basically highly controlled composting, and releases many chemicals and impurities that would otherwise ruin the tobacco's flavor. —Tad Gage
Tad Gage
b
: an instance or occurrence of fermentation
The process is simplicity itself—a couple of fermentations, a gradual tilting of the bottle to remove the sediment and a final addition of sugar to make it brut or doux.—Miles Kington
Miles KingtonThe ancient Chinese also stored vegetables in a pickling brine with a vinegar base. Various vinegars, made from fermentations of rice, wheat, grapes, or even peaches, were used.—Nina Simonds
Nina Simonds2
: ferment sense 2
Music concerts, poetry readings, and other progressive campus activities can produce intellectual fermentation and thought provoking ideas.—Robert Hoffman
Robert HoffmanSynonyms
Examples of fermentation in a Sentence
a wave of change followed by a period of social fermentation
Recent Examples on the Web
Made in a dedicated white wine fermentation room, the two whites are the first releases from the new winery.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025
One promising approach comes from Sunflower Therapeutics, which is adapting pharmaceutical-grade fermentation systems for food production.
—Shayna Harris, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Sculpture Woods, which comprises the bronze figural works of artist Ann Morris scattered out in nature, opens to the public the first Saturday of the month, while Full Bloom Farm offers workshops in disciplines like kintsugi (Japanese ceramics fixing), leather working, darning, and fermentation.
—Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 6 Jan. 2025
Using a hybrid process that combines industrial fermentation with green chemistry, Pili’s method to produce high-performance colors reduces harmful chemicals and fossil fuel dependency while cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional indigo dyeing processes.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2025
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Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025
One promising approach comes from Sunflower Therapeutics, which is adapting pharmaceutical-grade fermentation systems for food production.
—Shayna Harris, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Sculpture Woods, which comprises the bronze figural works of artist Ann Morris scattered out in nature, opens to the public the first Saturday of the month, while Full Bloom Farm offers workshops in disciplines like kintsugi (Japanese ceramics fixing), leather working, darning, and fermentation.
—Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 6 Jan. 2025
Using a hybrid process that combines industrial fermentation with green chemistry, Pili’s method to produce high-performance colors reduces harmful chemicals and fossil fuel dependency while cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional indigo dyeing processes.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fermentation
Dictionary Entries Near fermentation
Cite this Entry
“Fermentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fermentation. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fermentation
noun
fer·men·ta·tion
ˌfər-mən-ˈtā-shən
-ˌmen-
: chemical breaking down of a substance (as in the souring of milk or the formation of alcohol from sugar) produced by an enzyme and often accompanied by the formation of a gas
fermentative
adjective
(ˌ)fər-ˈment-ət-iv
Medical Definition
fermentation
noun
fer·men·ta·tion
ˌfər-mən-ˈtā-shən, -ˌmen-
: the enzyme-catalyzed anaerobic breakdown of an energy-rich compound (as a carbohydrate to carbon dioxide and alcohol or to an organic acid) by the action of microorganisms (as bacteria or yeast) that occurs naturally and is commonly used in the production of various products (as food, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals) especially by controlling microbial enzymatic activity
… Pasteur proved that microorganisms cause fermentation, the process that turns grape juice into wine.—Ken Reese, Today's Chemist
Ken Reese, Today's Chemist
broadly
: any of various enzyme-catalyzed aerobic or anaerobic processes (such as oxidation) involving transformation of organic compounds
Most of the catechins are oxidized during the natural fermentation process that converts fresh green tea leaves to black tea. —Food & Fitness Advisor
Food & Fitness Advisor Love words? Need even more definitions?
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