French Conversation · Level 112
59 words
French word
ferment
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛʁmɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounstarter
Example
On ajoute un ferment au lait pour faire du yaourt.
A starter is added to the milk to make yogurt.
More examples
Cet aliment indique la présence de ferments probiotiques.
This food indicates the presence of probiotic cultures.
Core concept
A small starter culture that turns a quiet mixture into an active fermenting one.
Common phrases
ferments actifs
live cultures
ferments probiotiques
probiotic cultures
Similar words
bactérie: A one-celled microorganism that may produce lactic acid and other substances.
fermentation: A chemical process where microbes or enzymes break down organic matter into acids or alcohol.
levure: A sugar-fermenting yeast that produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Definition in French
Organisme ou substance qui déclenche ou entretient la fermentation, utilisé notamment pour transformer le lait en yaourt ou pour affiner le fromage.
Word origin
The French noun ferment descends through Old French from Latin fermentum, related to fervere, "to boil", a reference to fermentation's bubbling activity.
Usage tips
- Ferment is masculine, so the usual article is "un", and the final t is silent in the noun's pronunciation.
Other meanings
- yeastnoun
Opposites
- conservateurpreservativenoun
Related words
- fermenteurfermenternoun
- fermentationfermentationnoun