leaven

• 名词，指引起面团发酵的物质（如酵母），也比喻能起促进或改变作用的潜在影响力。

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.

   发酵剂

   • 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.

   同义词barmfermentleaveningyeast

2. Transforming influenceC1formal

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

   潜移默化的影响

   • 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.

   同义词catalystfermentinfluencesparkstimulus

• 在面团中加入酵母或膨松剂等物质使其发酵膨胀；也用于比喻，指为事物增添活力或使其更加丰富多样。

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.

   使发酵

   • 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.

   同义词fermentraise

   反义词compressdeflateflattensettle