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leaven

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

leaven

Main Entry:: ¹leav·en
Pronunciation:: \ˈle-vən\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English levain, from Anglo-French levein, from Vulgar Latin *levamen, from Latin levare to raise — more at lever
Date:: 14th century

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 batter2: something that modifies or lightens

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