Definition of Leaven
Leaven
leav·en
Definition/Meaning
(noun)
a substance such as baking powder or yeast that is added to a batter or dough before baking to produce gas and lighten the baked product;
e.g. This dough contains no leaven, so the bread it yields is quite flat.
(noun)
a portion of dough that is kept aside and used in the next batch of dough as a rising/fermenting agent;
e.g. Most bakeries are very protective of the leaven they use in their sourdough bread.
(noun)
broadly, a significant influence that lightens or modifies something, usually improving it overall;
e.g. His calm composure acted as a leaven to their chaotic energy.
(verb)
to add a rising agent to a dough or batter before baking in order to introduce gas and lighten the product, especially to use yeast when making bread;
e.g. It is important to leaven the bread so that it comes out light and airy.
(verb)
to enter and diffuse into something and modify it in some way, usually lightening it, easing its effect, or generally improving it;
e.g. She tried to leaven the delivery of bad news with a manner of sympathy.
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