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yeast

noun
\ ˈyēst How to pronounce yeast (audio) , especially Southern and Midland US ˈēst\

Definition of yeast

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a yellowish surface froth or sediment that occurs especially in saccharine liquids (such as fruit juices) in which it promotes alcoholic fermentation, consists largely of cells of a fungus (such as the saccharomyces, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and is used especially in the making of alcoholic liquors and as a leaven in baking
b : a commercial product containing yeast fungi in a moist or dry medium
c(1) : a unicellular fungus that is present and functionally active in yeast, usually has little or no mycelium, and reproduces by budding
(2) : any of various similar fungi
2 archaic : the foam or spume of waves
3 : something that causes ferment or activity were all seething with the yeast of revolt— J. F. Dobie

yeast

verb
yeasted; yeasting; yeasts

Definition of yeast (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: ferment, froth
Other Words from yeast Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about yeast

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Other Words from yeast

Noun

yeast-like or less commonly yeastlike \ ˈyÄ“st-​ËŒlÄ«k How to pronounce yeastlike (audio) , especially Southern and Midland US  ˈēst-​ \ adjective

Examples of yeast in a Sentence

Noun

 taxation without representation proved to be the yeast of rebellion

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 The panties become infested with the bacteria, yeast and mold. — Essence, "Ask An OB-GYN: How Long Should I Keep My Panties Before They're No Good?," 9 Aug. 2019 The brewery was closed for production and the two were covered in grain, yeast and hops. — Washington Post, "Records show Lamont putting priority on business leaders," 8 Aug. 2019 In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine the water and yeast and set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes. — Tara Duggan, SFChronicle.com, "Recipe: Reem’s Za’atar Man’oushe," 2 Aug. 2019 In a measuring cup mix together one tablespoon of yeast and three tablespoons of warm water. — Ben Finio, Scientific American, "Make Elephant Toothpaste," 1 Aug. 2019 Manthe, who has a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a brewing degree from Berlin, grows wild strains of yeast and bacteria that he later ages in French-oak and cabernet barrels. — Phillip Valys, sun-sentinel.com, "South Florida breweries Barrel of Monks, Odd Breed partner up to make wild beer science," 30 July 2019 In fact, 50% of these household machines contain yeast and mold, according to one survey. — Lauren Smith, Good Housekeeping, "How to Clean a Coffee Maker, According to Cleaning Experts," 4 Mar. 2019 The reaction continues as long as there is some hydrogen peroxide and yeast left. — Ben Finio, Scientific American, "Make Elephant Toothpaste," 1 Aug. 2019 Impossible Foods sources its from soy leghemoglobin, which is found naturally in soybean roots and which Impossible Foods gets from yeast. — Kelsey Piper, Vox, "Impossible Burgers just cleared a big regulatory hurdle. They might be sold in stores as soon as next month.," 1 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 Same for dozens of styles of fish stew, yeasted rolls, cakes, and pies found around the world. — National Geographic, "The Secret History of the World's Priciest Spice," 3 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'yeast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of yeast

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1819, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for yeast

Noun

Middle English yest, from Old English gist; akin to Old High German jesen, gesen to ferment, Greek zein to boil

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More Definitions for yeast

yeast

noun
How to pronounce yeast (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of yeast

: a type of fungus that is used in making alcoholic drinks (such as beer and wine) and in baking to help make dough rise

See the full definition for yeast in the English Language Learners Dictionary

yeast

noun
\ ˈyēst How to pronounce yeast (audio) \

Kids Definition of yeast

1 : a single-celled fungus that ferments sugar to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide
2 : a commercial product containing living yeast cells that is used in baking to make dough rise and in the making of alcoholic beverages (as wine)

yeast

noun
\ ˈyēst How to pronounce yeast (audio) \

Medical Definition of yeast

1 : a unicellular chiefly ascomycetous fungus (as of the family Saccharomycetaceae) that has usually little or no mycelium, that typically reproduces asexually by budding, and that includes forms (as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which cause alcoholic fermentation and are used especially in the making of alcoholic beverages and leavened bread
2 :

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