leaven

[ lev-uhn ]

noun

1. a substance, as yeast or baking powder, that causes fermentation and expansion of dough or batter.
2. fermented dough reserved for producing fermentation in a new batch of dough.
3. an element that produces an altering or transforming influence.

verb (used with object)

1. to add leaven to (dough or batter) and cause to rise.
2. to permeate with an altering or transforming element.

leaven

/ ˈlɛvən /

noun

1. any substance that produces fermentation in dough or batter, such as yeast, and causes it to rise
2. a piece of such a substance kept to ferment a new batch of dough
3. an agency or influence that produces a gradual change

verb

1. to cause fermentation in (dough or batter)
2. to pervade, causing a gradual change, esp with some moderating or enlivening influence

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaven¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English levain, levein, leven, from Anglo-French levein, levain, Old French levain, from Vulgar Latin levāmen (unrecorded) “means of raising or lifting,” from Latin levāmen “alleviation, mitigation, relief,” derivative of levā(re) “to raise, lift up; relieve, reduce” + -men noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaven¹

C14: via Old French ultimately from Latin levāmen relief, (hence, raising agent, leaven), from levāre to raise

Example Sentences

“So you give the right information” but leaven it with laughs.

From The Daily Beast

Then they began to talk among themselves: what had they done to be thus bidden to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees?

From Project Gutenberg

On these few occasions indeed it would even appear to be tinctured with some slight leaven of good-nature.

From Project Gutenberg

In a word, superstition is a dangerous leaven, that is fitted to corrupt even the most honest hearts.

From Project Gutenberg

The knowledge that before long he would take unto himself a wife was a leaven that leavened every thought and every act.

From Project Gutenberg

Even Canada, with its leaven of Orangemen, was to be honoured with the speeches of an orator of second-rate powers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• imbue
• infuse