Leaven

usgb/ˈlevn/
noun

A substance like yeast that is used to make dough rise.

She added a little bit of leaven to the bread dough.
Visual representation of "leaven" - A substance like yeast that is used to make dough rise.

Often appears as...

  • add leaven
  • leavened bread
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "leaven"
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Culinary Term

Used mostly in cooking to describe ingredients that help dough rise.

Illustration for Culinary Term
The recipe requires a teaspoon of leaven for the pastry.
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Literal Use

'Leaven' is usually used literally in the context of baking and not as a metaphor.

Illustration for Literal Use
His grandmother taught him how to add leaven to the mix.
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Physical Change

Leaven causes a visible change, making the dough expand and become fluffy.

Illustration for Physical Change
Without leaven, the dough remained flat and hard.
Visual representation of the word "Leaven"

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