a chemical reaction in which a ferment causes an organic molecule to split into simpler substances, esp the anaerobic conversion of sugar to ethyl alcohol by yeast
Also called: ferment ▶ Related adjective: zymotic
Derived forms
fermentative (ferˈmentative)
adjective
fermentatively (ferˈmentatively)
adverb
fermentativeness (ferˈmentativeness)
noun
fermentation in American English
(ˌfɜrmənˈteɪʃən)
noun
1.
the breakdown of complex molecules in organic compounds, caused by the influence of a ferment
bacteria cause milk to curdle by fermentation
2.
excitement; agitation
Word origin
ME fermentacioun < LL fermentatio: see ferment
Examples of 'fermentation' in a sentence
fermentation
The bubbles form due to dissolved carbon dioxide, which are produced during fermentation inside the bottles.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They can also affect the performance of the yeast during fermentation.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This destroyed the old theory that digestion was a process of fermentation.
Mayes, Adrienne The Dictionary of Nutritional Health (1986)
Or perhaps it worked in the same manner as the fermentation of alcohol.
Benjamin Woolley THE HERBALIST: Nicholas Culpeper Rebel Physician (2004)
But they did it artificially by adding sugar before fermentation.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Alcohol can be kept low by stopping the fermentation and leaving sugar in the wine.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The secondary fermentation in the bottle gives off carbon dioxide which makes the cider fizz.
Lockspeiser, Jerry & Gear, Jackie Thorsons Organic Wine Guide (1991)
The bubbles just mean a wine has had a secondary fermentation.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Skin and pips have been left in contact with the juice for more almost three weeks during the fermentation process.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It contains antioxidants and minerals from the apples, plus healthy enzymes and amino acids formed during the fermentation process.
The Sun (2016)
The ability of Candida to ferment sugar is the basis of the sugar fermentation test used in investigations of the gut.
MacIntyre, Anne M. E. Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome - How To Live With It (1989)