leaven

¹leav·en

noun \ˈle-vən\

Definition of LEAVEN

1

a : a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid; especially : sourdough b : a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that lightens dough or batter

2

: something that modifies or lightens

Examples of LEAVEN

1. a serious book that includes a few humorous stories as leaven

Origin of LEAVEN

Middle English levain, from Anglo-French levein, from Vulgar Latin *levamen, from Latin levare to raise — more at lever

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with LEAVEN

Bevin, devon, heaven, levin, seven, sweven