noun
fermentation
fer-men-TAY-shn/ˌfɜːrmenˈteɪʃn/
The breakdown of organic substances through microbial activity.
Bubbles rise through the cloudy cider as fermentation produces gas.
Etymology
The pieces name the process of fermenting or leavening. Once used broadly in alchemy, fermentation acquired the more specific scientific sense of microorganisms converting sugars into alcohol or acids.
In context
After crushing and pressing, the juice is put into a tank, and we go for fermentation. In fermentation, the yeast breaks down the sugar which is present in grape juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
More examples
- Yeast breaks down sugars during fermentation, helping bread dough rise.
- Bacterial fermentation gives yogurt its tangy flavor.
- Cooler temperatures slow the fermentation of the cabbage.
Forms
ferment verb — To undergo or cause breakdown through microbial activity.
Similar words
- decomposition
- Covers broader decay, not just breakdown caused by microorganisms.
- breakdown
- Includes substances coming apart through microbial or nonmicrobial processes.