Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Yeast Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿž
Add to dictionary

yeast

[jiหst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

baking

Yeast is a type of fungus used in baking to make dough rise by fermenting sugars.

Synonyms

ferment, leaven.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
yeast

Used in a biological or scientific context to refer to the microorganism itself, often in laboratory settings.

  • The scientists studied the behavior of yeast under different conditions
  • Yeast are important model organisms for genetic research
leaven

Refers to a substance used to make dough rise, like yeast, baking powder, or sourdough starter. Can also be a metaphor for something that causes change or animation.

  • She used a natural leaven to make the sourdough bread
  • His optimism acted as a leaven to the otherwise serious team
ferment

Typically refers to the process of converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, often used in brewing and winemaking. Can also describe a state of agitation or excitement.

  • The grape juice needs to ferment for several weeks to become wine
  • The ferment in the crowd was palpable as the announcement was made

Examples of usage

  • Add the yeast to the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • The yeast is the key ingredient for making bread dough rise.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

Yeast is a single-celled organism that belongs to the fungus kingdom.

Synonyms

fungus, microorganism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
yeast

As mentioned earlier, yeast is specifically used when talking about the fermentation agent in cooking and brewing.

  • 'Active yeast is needed for making sourdough bread
  • ' 'Wine production relies on natural yeasts for fermentation
  • '
fungus

Used in a broader biological context to describe a type of organism, which can include molds, yeasts, and mushrooms. Often used in scientific or medical discussions.

  • 'Mushrooms are a type of fungus
  • ' 'This fungus can cause infections in humans
  • '
microorganism

Refers to any microscopic organism, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Typically used in scientific, medical, and technical settings.

  • 'Hand sanitizers can kill most microorganisms
  • ' 'Studying microorganisms helps us understand diseases
  • '

Examples of usage

  • Brewers use yeast to ferment sugars and produce alcohol.
  • Yeast is commonly used in the production of beer and wine.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Yeast is classified as a fungus and can reproduce either asexually by budding or sexually through spores.
  • Certain species of yeast can survive in extreme conditions, such as high salt concentrations and acidic environments.

Culinary Use

  • Used for thousands of years in baking, brewing, and winemaking, yeast plays a critical role in producing alcohol and carbon dioxide.
  • Different types of yeast, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are used for different purposes such as baking bread or brewing beer.

Health Benefits

  • Yeast is a source of B vitamins and can be found in nutritional supplements for its potential health benefits.
  • Probiotic yeasts can promote gut health by balancing bacteria in the digestive system.

Pop Culture

  • In many cultures, sharing homemade bread made with yeast symbolizes hospitality and family togetherness.
  • The science of fermentation, particularly involving yeast, has become a popular trend in craft brewing and home baking.

Origin of 'yeast'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'gist' and the Proto-Germanic 'jaistaz', both meaning 'to bubble' or 'to rise'.
  • The term 'fermentation' is derived from the Latin word 'fermentare', which means 'to leaven'.

The word 'yeast' comes from the Old English word 'gist', which is related to the Dutch word 'gist' and the German word 'Gischt', all meaning 'fermented froth' or 'foam'. Yeast has been used for thousands of years in baking and fermentation processes, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,379 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.