Background for leaven

leaven

/ˈlɛv.ən/

Illustration leaven - Image 1

noun

Any agent used to make dough rise or to have a similar effect on baked goods.

Examples :

"The baker added leaven to the dough to make the bread fluffy and light. "

Illustration leaven - Image 1

noun

Anything that makes a general assimilating change in the mass.

Examples :

"The new teacher's enthusiasm was a leaven that energized the entire classroom. "

mass substance material food process

Illustration leaven - Image 1

verb

To add a leavening agent.

Examples :

"The baker will leaven the dough with yeast so it rises properly. "

food agriculture chemistry substance process

Illustration leaven - Image 1

verb

To cause to rise by fermentation.

Examples :

"The baker used yeast to leaven the dough, making it rise into fluffy bread. "

food agriculture process

Illustration leaven - Image 1

verb

To temper an action or decision.

Examples :

"She tried to leaven her criticism of his artwork with encouragement, hoping to inspire him rather than discourage him. "

mind action character attitude

Illustration leaven - Image 1

verb

To imbue; to infect; to vitiate.

Examples :

"The constant complaining from a few employees began to leaven the entire office with negativity. "

negative condition process

Illustration leaven - Image 1

verb

To rise or become larger.

Examples :

"The dough will leaven in a warm place before we bake the bread. "