yeast
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a tiny fungus used to make bread rise or to make beer and wine.
n.a unicellular fungus, specifically of the genus Saccharomyces, used as a leavening agent in baking and a fermenter in brewing.
Simple“You need to mix the yeast with warm water and sugar before adding it to the flour.”
In context“The baker monitored the temperature carefully, as excessive heat would kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.”
UsageUncountable when referring to the substance generally; countable when referring to specific strains or packets.
Synonymsleavenferment - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a type of very small living thing that is a fungus.
n.any of various small, single-celled fungi that reproduce by budding or fission.
Simple“Scientists study how different types of yeast react to various sugars.”
In context“The researcher isolated a specific strain of yeast from the skin of the grapes to study its unique fermentation properties.”
Synonymsfungusmicro organism - 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to bubble and change chemically, like when making beer.
v.to undergo or cause fermentation; to become frothy through the action of fungi.
Simple“The mixture began to yeast as the natural sugars broke down.”
In context“The liquid was left in the vat to yeast for several days until the desired alcohol content was achieved.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to make a story seem bigger or more important than it really is.
v.to inflate the truth or provide an exaggerated account of an event.
Simple“He is always yeasting about how much money he makes at his new job.”
In context“Don't listen to his version of the story; he tends to yeast whenever he wants to impress a new audience.”
Teacher's tipThis slang usage is relatively niche and often found in specific regional dialects; learners should use it cautiously.
SynonymsAntonymsunderstate
From Middle English yest, yeest, gest, gist, from Old English ġist, ġyst, from Proto-West Germanic jestu, from Proto-Germanic jestuz. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Jääst (“yeast”), West Frisian gêst, gist (“yeast”), Dutch gist (“yeast”), German Low German Gest (“yeast”), German Gischt (“sea foam”), Swedish jäst (“yeast”), Norwegian jest (“yeast”), Icelandic jöstur (“yeast”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.