ferment

Universal Words verb, noun verb to experience a chemical change because of the action of YEAST or bacteria, often changing sugar to alcohol; to make sth change in this way: [V] Fruit juices ferment if they are kept for too long. * (figurative) A blend of emotions fermented inside her. * [VN] Red wine is fermented at a higher temperature than white. fermentation noun [U]: Sugar is converted into alcohol by a process of fermentation. noun [U,sing.] (formal) a state of political or social excitement and confusion: a period of intense political ferment * The country is in ferment.