a state of agitation or turbulent change or development; the political ferment produced new leadership; social unrest

[ Syn: agitation , fermentation , tempestuousness , unrest ]

a substance capable of bringing about fermentation

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

[ Syn: zymosis , zymolysis , fermentation , fermenting ]

be in an agitated or excited state; The Middle East is fermenting; Her mind ferments'

work up into agitation or excitement; Islam is fermenting Africa'

cause to undergo fermentation; We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content; The vintner worked the wine in big oak vats

[ Syn: work ]

go sour or spoil; The milk has soured; The wine worked; The cream has turned--we have to throw it out

[ Syn: sour , turn , work ]