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1. A process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
   - zymosis, zymolysis, fermentation, ferment

1. Be in an agitated or excited state
   "The Middle East is fermenting"; "Her mind ferments"
    
2. Work up into agitation or excitement
   "Islam is fermenting Africa"
    
3. Cause to undergo fermentation
   "We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content"
   - work
    
4. Go sour or spoil
   - sour, turn, work

See also: fermentation

Type of: boil, change state, chemical action, chemical change, chemical process, convert, fire up, heat, ignite, inflame, seethe, stir up, turn, wake

Encyclopedia: Ferment