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

/ ˈlɛvən /

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

verb

1. to cause fermentation in (dough or batter)

2. to pervade, causing a gradual change, esp with some moderating or enlivening influence

Word 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 levāmen (unrecorded) “means of raising or lifting,” from Latin levāmen “alleviation, mitigation, relief,” derivative of levā(re) “to raise, lift up; relieve, reduce” + -men noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaven¹

C14: via Old French ultimately from Latin levāmen relief, (hence, raising agent, leaven), from levāre to raise

Example Sentences

But the greatest difficulty proved to be activating yeast — a tricky yet crucial step when making leavened bread and similar baked goods.

From Salon

In person, “Baltimore’s practiced elegance frames a fierce pride and a sometimes brutal intellect, softened only by his insistence that professional criticism be leavened by personal respect.”

From Los Angeles Times

The most significant missing piece is the prevalent wry humor that leavened “Mare” in its darkest moments.

From Salon

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.

From Salon

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.

From Salon

Related Words

• imbue 
• infuse