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View synonyms for

leaven

[ lev-uhn ]

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.


verb (used with object)

  1. to add leaven to (dough or batter) and cause to rise.
  2. to permeate with an altering or transforming element.

leaven

/ ˈ±ôÉ›±¹É™²Ô /

noun

  1. any substance that produces fermentation in dough or batter, such as yeast, and causes it to rise
  2. a piece of such a substance kept to ferment a new batch of dough
  3. an agency or influence that produces a gradual change
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to cause fermentation in (dough or batter)
  2. to pervade, causing a gradual change, esp with some moderating or enlivening influence
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of leaven1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English levain, levein, leven, from Anglo-French levein, levain, Old French levain, from Vulgar Latin ±ô±ð±¹Äå³¾±ð²Ô (unrecorded) “means of raising or lifting,†from Latin ±ô±ð±¹Äå³¾±ð²Ô “alleviation, mitigation, relief,†derivative of ±ô±ð±¹Äå(°ù±ð) “to raise, lift up; relieve, reduce†+ -men noun suffix
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of leaven1

C14: via Old French ultimately from Latin ±ô±ð±¹Äå³¾±ð²Ô relief, (hence, raising agent, leaven), from ±ô±ð±¹Äå°ù±ð to raise
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Whether the songs are presented in their orchestral splendor or as frenetic electronica, each needle drop leavens the natural comedy of John’s frantic awkwardness or captures his chronic sorrow.

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Add the leavening of Lear’s style of humor executed by modern voices – nothing snide or so mean that another character can’t let it roll off their armor – and the culmination is an easy, welcoming space.

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While Trump has culled US foreign aid and pledged to focus on American domestic concerns, he has also leavened his remarks with talk of American expansionism.

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What you might recognize as a modern-style fruitcake – a moist, leavened dessert studded with fruits and nuts – was probably first baked in the early Middle Ages in Europe.

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She leavened her straight talk about sex with regular doses of conventional morality.

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