leaven — a substance (typically yeast) added to dough to make it rise
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a substance (typically yeast) added to dough to make it rise
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlɛvən/
Example Sentences
- The chef's secret was using wild leaven that had been cultivating for 20 years.
- His terrible dad jokes somehow managed to leaven even the most awkward family dinner.
- Without any leaven, the bread came out as flat as a pancake and twice as disappointing.
leaven
NOUN[/ˈlɛvən/]
a substance (typically yeast) added to dough to make it rise

A pinch of leaven makes the whole dough rise into a golden loaf.

Through seven windows, leaven lifts the bread to heaven!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'levain', derived from Latin 'levamen' meaning 'that which lightens or lifts', from the verb 'levare' meaning 'to lift or raise'.
Breakdown
lev- (lift/raise, from Latin levare) + -en (noun suffix) = leaven (a lifting/rising agent)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chef's secret was using wild leaven that had been cultivating for 20 years.”
“His terrible dad jokes somehow managed to leaven even the most awkward family dinner.”
“Without any leaven, the bread came out as flat as a pancake and twice as disappointing.”
“Education should leaven society with critical thinking and creativity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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