yeast

yeast · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A microscopic fungus used in baking and brewing due to its ability to ferment.

  2. 2.

    A preparation of this fungus used in baking or brewing.

  3. 3.

    [figurative]Something that causes activity or ferment.

Forms

plural: yeasts

Related words

See also: bake, bread, brew, ferment
Synonyms: leaven, leavening

Etymology

From Old English gist ("yeast, froth"), from Proto-Germanic jestuz.