Spanish word

levadura

Pronunciation

IPA/leβaˈðuɾa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounyeast

Example

Necesito levadura para hacer pan.

I need some yeast to make bread.

Illustration for levadura (yeast)

More examples

¿Usas levadura madre o levadura seca?

Do you use sourdough starter or dry yeast?

Core concept

Microorganism that ferments sugars and produces gas to expand dough and some beverages.

Common phrases

  • levadura seca

    dry yeast

  • levadura fresca

    fresh yeast

  • levadura madre

    sourdough starter

Similar words

levadura seca: Instant or active dry yeast sold as a stable powder for storage and easy measuring.
levadura fresca: Compressed fresh yeast sold as a moist cake for prompt use in baking.
masa madre: Continuously maintained fermented mix of flour and water that naturally leavens bread.
fermento: Commercial leavening preparation or ferment used to encourage rise in baked goods.

Definition in Spanish

Microorganismo que, mediante la fermentación, produce gases y hace subir masas en panadería y bebidas.

Word origin

Formed from Latin levare "to raise" with the suffix -adura, literally "the thing that raises", the word covers both commercial yeast and natural starters used for fermentation.

Usage tips

  • When a recipe uses levadura madre it means a sourdough starter rather than commercial yeast, so timing and care differ from recipes calling for levadura seca.

Opposites

  • polvo de hornearbaking powdernoun

Related words

  • leudarleavenverb
  • leudaciónfermentationnoun
  • leudanteleaveningadjective

Word lists with this word