Ferment

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Ferment

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

fer-MENT (verb), FER-ment (noun)  /fəˈmɛnt/ (verb), /ˈfəːmɛnt/ (noun)

Definition

As a verb: to undergo or cause to undergo fermentation — the chemical breakdown of a substance by micro-organisms, especially the conversion of sugar to alcohol by yeast. As a noun: a state of agitation or excitement; also, an agent causing fermentation.

Plain meaning

To ferment is to let micro-organisms transform something — turning sugar into alcohol, or grain into vinegar. As a noun, ferment describes a state of excited agitation or unrest.

Register

The verb is technical in food science and chemistry. The noun in its figurative sense — political ferment, creative ferment — is used in journalism, history, and literary writing.