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Definition of "leaven" []

  • An agent, such as yeast, that causes batter or dough to rise, especially by fermentation. (noun)
  • An element, influence, or agent that works subtly to lighten, enliven, or modify a whole. (noun)
  • To add a rising agent to. (verb-transitive)
  • To cause to rise, especially by fermentation. (verb-transitive)
  • To pervade with a lightening, enlivening, or modifying influence. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "leaven" in a sentence
  • "We are leaven, in heaven. leaven-# a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid"
  • ""_But_," he resumed, with renewed seriousness -- "_But ef Christians on'y knowed it_, dey kin put a _little leaven o 'solid Christianity_ in all de charity flour dey gi'es away, an' hit'll _leaven de whole lot_ so strong dat _too much water can't spile it_, nur _too much fire can't scorch it_, nur _too much fore-sight_ (ur whatever dis heah is de"
  • "So "leaven" is used of false doctrine (Mt 16: 12: compare Mt 13: 33)."