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- Dictionaryleaven/ˈlɛvn/
noun
- 1. a substance, typically yeast, that is used in dough to make it rise.
- 2. a pervasive influence that modifies something or transforms it for the better: "they acted as an intellectual leaven to the warriors who dominated the city"
verb
- 1. cause (dough or bread) to rise by adding yeast or another raising agent: "it only take a little bit of yeast to leaven the bread" Similar
- 2. permeate and modify or transform (something) for the better: "the proceedings should be leavened by humour" Similar
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Nov 5, 2011 · The meaning of LEAVEN is a substance (such as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid; especially : sourdough. How to use leaven in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Leaven.
LEAVEN definition: 1. to add a substance to bread or another food made with flour to make it increase in size when it…. Learn more.
Leaven, as a noun, is that which causes transformation. It’s the source of yeast that makes your bread rise, it’s the risen bread, and it’s anything that changes the nature of something else. Coming through Old French from the Latin verb levare, which means “to raise,” leaven changes everything.
verb. If a situation or activity is leavened by or with something, it is made more interesting or cheerful. His mood of deep pessimism cannot have been leavened by his mode of transport–a black cab. [be V-ed + by/with] He found congenial officers who knew how to leaven war's rigours with riotous enjoyment. [V n + by/with] [Also VERB noun]
1. a substance, as yeast or baking powder, that causes fermentation and expansion of dough or batter. 2. fermented dough reserved for producing fermentation in a new batch of dough. 3. an element that produces an altering or transforming influence. v.t. 4. to add leaven to (dough or batter) and cause to rise.
LEAVEN meaning: 1 : a substance (such as yeast) that makes dough rise and become light before it is baked; 2 : something that makes a situation or mood less serious.
There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun leaven, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. leaven has developed meanings and uses in subjects including.
A complete guide to the word "LEAVEN": definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, grammar insights, collocations, examples, and translations.
Definition of leaven noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
noun. any substance that produces fermentation in dough or batter, such as yeast, and causes it to rise. a piece of such a substance kept to ferment a new batch of dough. an agency or influence that produces a gradual change.
