a state of agitation or turbulent change or development;
"the political ferment produced new leadership"
"social unrest"
a substance capable of bringing about fermentation
a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
Verb:
be in an agitated or excited state;
"The Middle East is fermenting"
"Her mind ferments"
work up into agitation or excitement;
"Islam is fermenting Africa"
cause to undergo fermentation;
"We ferment the grapes for a very long time to achieve high alcohol content"
"The vintner worked the wine in big oak vats"
go sour or spoil;
"The milk has soured"
"The wine worked"
"The cream has turned--we have to throw it out"
