leaven

Definition

Any agent used to make dough rise or to have a similar effect on baked goods.

Etymology

From Middle English levayn, borrowed from Old French levain, from Vulgar Latin *levāmen, a noun based on Latin levō (“raise”).

Example Sentences

• "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod."
• "On the far side was reflected a single red and meteoric cloud, which had treasured one last crimson ray from the sunset, or perhaps nursed within it the fiery leaven."
• "The leaven of insincerity worked through all the fibres of his being."