Fermenter: meaning, definitions and examples

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fermenter

[fəˈmɛn.tər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

laboratory equipment

A fermenter is a vessel used for the production of fermentation products, such as beer or wine, through the action of microorganisms.

Synonyms

bioreactor, fermentation vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fermenter	Often used in the context of brewing beer or wine. It is a general term that refers to any container or apparatus where fermentation occurs. He checked the temperature of the fermenter to ensure the yeast was fermenting properly. The new brewery installed several large fermenters for their expanded production.
bioreactor	Typically used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It describes a device or system that supports a biologically active environment, often for the cultivation of cells or tissues. The lab uses a bioreactor to grow large volumes of cells for vaccine production. They optimized the bioreactor conditions to increase protein yield.
fermentation vessel	Commonly used in brewing and winemaking. This term is often interchangeable with 'fermenter' but might imply a more traditional or specific type of container like a carboy, vat, or tank. The winemaker carefully cleaned the fermentation vessel before starting the new batch. Glass fermentation vessels help the brewer monitor the progress visually.

Word

Description / Examples

fermenter

Often used in the context of brewing beer or wine. It is a general term that refers to any container or apparatus where fermentation occurs.

He checked the temperature of the fermenter to ensure the yeast was fermenting properly.
The new brewery installed several large fermenters for their expanded production.

bioreactor

Typically used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It describes a device or system that supports a biologically active environment, often for the cultivation of cells or tissues.

The lab uses a bioreactor to grow large volumes of cells for vaccine production.
They optimized the bioreactor conditions to increase protein yield.

fermentation vessel

Commonly used in brewing and winemaking. This term is often interchangeable with 'fermenter' but might imply a more traditional or specific type of container like a carboy, vat, or tank.

The winemaker carefully cleaned the fermentation vessel before starting the new batch.
Glass fermentation vessels help the brewer monitor the progress visually.

Examples of usage

The brewery installed a new fermenter to increase their beer production.
The fermenter was filled with yeast and sugar to start the fermentation process.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

industrial usage

In industrial settings, a fermenter is a large tank or vessel used for the production of various biochemicals or pharmaceuticals through fermentation.

Synonyms

bioreactor, fermentation tank.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fermenter	Similar to 'fermenter' but may also be used interchangeably, typically focusing on home or smaller scale fermentation setups. She bought a new fermenter to experiment with making kombucha Make sure the fermenter is sealed properly to avoid spoilage
bioreactor	Used specifically in scientific and industrial contexts where controlled biological reactions are essential, such as in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The scientists used a bioreactor to grow the cells under controlled conditions The efficiency of the bioreactor is a key factor in the production of antibiotics
fermentation tank	Frequently applied in the brewing and wine-making industries to describe large, often industrial-sized, containers designed for the fermentation process. The brewery invested in new fermentation tanks to increase production capacity The wine ages in stainless steel fermentation tanks for several months

Word

Description / Examples

fermenter

Similar to 'fermenter' but may also be used interchangeably, typically focusing on home or smaller scale fermentation setups.

She bought a new fermenter to experiment with making kombucha
Make sure the fermenter is sealed properly to avoid spoilage

bioreactor

Used specifically in scientific and industrial contexts where controlled biological reactions are essential, such as in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

The scientists used a bioreactor to grow the cells under controlled conditions
The efficiency of the bioreactor is a key factor in the production of antibiotics

fermentation tank

Frequently applied in the brewing and wine-making industries to describe large, often industrial-sized, containers designed for the fermentation process.

The brewery invested in new fermentation tanks to increase production capacity
The wine ages in stainless steel fermentation tanks for several months

Examples of usage

The pharmaceutical company invested in a state-of-the-art fermenter for their production facility.
The fermenter was capable of producing large quantities of antibiotics efficiently.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'fermenter' comes from the Latin 'fermentare,' meaning to leaven or cause to rise.
In early European languages, the root word was associated with the action of bubbling or frothing.
Fermentation has been practiced for thousands of years, leading to the development of various terms for different fermentation processes.

Historical Uses

Ancient Egyptians used fermentation to brew beer and make bread, playing a vital role in their daily diet.
In medieval Europe, fermenters were essential in monasteries for brewing ale, helping monks to preserve grains and feed communities.
The discovery of lactic acid fermentation enabled the production of yogurt and cheese, enriching culinary traditions worldwide.

Science

Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol using microorganisms like yeast and bacteria.
The process can occur in anaerobic conditions (without oxygen), leading to products like ethanol during alcohol production.
Fermenters are crucial in controlled environments to regulate temperature, pH, and pressure, optimizing the fermentation process.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures have unique fermented dishes, such as kimchi in Korea and sauerkraut in Germany, showcasing local ingredients.
Fermented foods are often celebrated for their health benefits, including probiotics that support gut health.
Community events around fermentation, like food festivals, highlight the importance of this process in traditional food preparation.

Modern Technology

Today, fermenters come in various shapes and sizes, including large stainless steel tanks for mass production in breweries.
Biotechnology employs fermenters for creating medicines and vaccines, illustrating their significance beyond food production.
Smart fermenters equipped with sensors can monitor and adjust conditions in real-time, enhancing efficiency and product quality.

Translations

Translations of the word "fermenter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fermentar

🇮🇳 किण्वन करना

🇩🇪 fermentieren

🇮🇩 fermentasi

🇺🇦 ферментувати

🇵🇱 fermentować

🇯🇵 発酵する

🇫🇷 fermenter

🇪🇸 fermentar

🇹🇷 fermente etmek

🇰🇷 발효하다

🇸🇦 تخمير

🇨🇿 kvasit

🇸🇰 fermentovať

🇨🇳 发酵

🇸🇮 fermentirati

🇮🇸 gerja

🇰🇿 ашыту

🇬🇪 დუღილი

🇦🇿 mayalamaq

🇲🇽 fermentar