leaven

• Substance telle que la levure qui provoque la fermentation de la pâte, ou influence subtile qui facilite ou modifie quelque chose.

A noun referring to a substance, such as yeast, that causes fermentation in dough, or a subtle influence that lightens or modifies something.

1. Fermenting agentB1formalculinary

   A substance, such as yeast or baking powder, used to produce fermentation or rising in dough or a liquid.

   Agent de fermentation

   • The baker added leaven to the dough to make it rise.
   • Without leaven, the bread would be flat and dense.
   • Ancient Egyptians used natural leaven from sourdough.
   • A small amount of leaven can ferment a large batch of dough.

   Synonymesbarmfermentleaveningyeast

2. Transforming influenceC1formal

   An influence or element that works subtly to lighten, modify, or improve something in a gradual way.

   levain (influence transformatrice)

   • Humor can be a leaven that lightens even the most serious discussions.
   • Her kindness served as a leaven in the tense workplace.
   • The new ideas acted as a leaven for the traditional practices.
   • Art often provides a leaven for social change.

   Synonymescatalystfermentinfluencesparkstimulus

• Ajouter une substance telle que la levure ou la poudre à lever à une pâte pour la faire lever ; ou, au sens figuré, vivifier, animer ou diversifier quelque chose.

A verb meaning to add a substance such as yeast or baking powder to dough or batter to make it rise, or figuratively to lighten or enliven something.

1. Cause to riseB2formalculinary

   To cause dough or batter to rise and become light and porous by adding a leavening agent such as yeast or baking powder.

   Faire lever

   • She leavened the bread dough with yeast.
   • The baker leavened the mixture to make it fluffy.
   • You need to leaven the batter properly for a good cake.

   Synonymesfermentraise

   Antonymescompressdeflateflattensettle