Fermentation
WordNet
noun
(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
(2) A state of agitation or turbulent change or development
"The political ferment produced new leadership"
"Social unrest"
WiktionaryText
Noun
- Any of many anaerobic biochemical reactions in which an enzyme (or several enzymes produced by a microorganism) catalyses the conversion of one substance into another; especially the conversion (using yeast) of sugars to alcohol or acetic acid with the evolution of carbon dioxide
- A state of agitation or excitement; a ferment