Definition

Describing food or drink that has gone through a process where sugars are changed into alcohol or acids, often resulting in a sour taste.

Example

The fermented cabbage is used to make sauerkraut.

Conversation

Have you ever tried that fermented tea everyone is talking about?

Yeah, it's actually pretty refreshing and good for digestion.

I wasn't sure about the taste at first, but it grows on you.

Definitely! I love how fermented drinks can be so unique.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To have undergone a chemical process where sugars are converted into alcohol or acids by microorganisms, often used in food and drink production.

Example

The grapes were fermented to make wine.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried making your own yogurt at home?

No, I haven't! How does that work?

It's actually pretty simple; you just need to let the milk fermented for a few hours.

Root Explanation

Fermented → It is formed from "fermentare" (meaning to leaven or raise) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The word "fermented" refers to something that has undergone the process of leavening or raising, typically through the action of yeast or bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of the process of something being 'raised' or 'leavened' — that's what fermentation does to food or drink, making it fermented.

Visually Confused Words