fermentation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of agitation or turbulent change or development
    ferment; unrest; tempestuousness; agitation.
    • the political ferment produced new leadership
    • social unrest
  2. noun a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
    zymolysis; ferment; fermenting; zymosis.

WordNet

Fer`men*ta"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. fermentation.
Definitions
  1. The process of undergoing an effervescent change, as by the action of yeast; in a wider sense (Physiol. Chem.), the transformation of an organic substance into new compounds by the action of a ferment, either formed or unorganized. It differs in kind according to the nature of the ferment which causes it. in industrial microbiology -- = the production of chemical substances by use of microorganisms
  2. A state of agitation or excitement, as of the intellect or the feelings.
    It puts the soul to fermentation and activity. Jer. Taylor.
    A univesal fermentation of human thought and faith. C. Kingsley.

Webster 1913