English dictionary



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English noun: ferment

1. ferment (state) a state of agitation or turbulent change or development


SamplesThe political ferment produced new leadership.
Social unrest.


Synonymsagitation, fermentation, tempestuousness, unrest


Broader (hypernym)Sturm und Drang, turbulence, upheaval

2. ferment (substance) a substance capable of bringing about fermentation


Broader (hypernym)substance

3. ferment (process) a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol


Synonymsfermentation, fermenting, zymolysis, zymosis


Broader (hypernym)chemical action, chemical change, chemical process


Narrower (hyponym)bottom fermentation, top fermentation, vinification


English verb: ferment

1. ferment (emotion) be in an agitated or excited state


SamplesThe Middle East is fermenting.
Her mind ferments.


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Somebody ----s


Broader (hypernym)boil, seethe

2. ferment (emotion) work up into agitation or excitement


SamplesIslam is fermenting Africa.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s somebody.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)fire up, heat, ignite, inflame, stir up, wake

3. ferment (change) cause to undergo fermentation


SamplesWe ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content.
The vintner worked the wine in big oak vats.


Synonymswork


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)convert


Narrower (hyponym)vinify


Causeferment, sour, turn, work


Verb groupferment, sour, turn, work

4. ferment (change) go sour or spoil


SamplesThe milk has soured.
The wine worked.
The cream has turned--we have to throw it out.


Synonymssour, turn, work


Pattern of useSomething ----s


Broader (hypernym)change state, turn


Verb groupferment, work









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