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   leaven

   /ˈlɛvn/

   noun

   • 1. a substance, typically yeast, that is used in dough to make it rise.
   • ▪ dough that is reserved from an earlier batch in order to start a later one fermenting.
   • 2. a pervasive influence that modifies something or transforms it for the better: "they acted as an intellectual leaven to the warriors who dominated the city"

   verb

   • 1. cause (dough or bread) to rise by adding yeast or another raising agent: "it only take a little bit of yeast to leaven the bread" Similar raisemake risefermentworklightenpuff upexpandswellinflate
   • 2. permeate and modify or transform (something) for the better: "the proceedings should be leavened by humour" Similar permeateinfusepervadepenetrateimbuesuffusetransformmodifyenlivenlightenquickeninspirestimulateliven upinvigoratevivifyginger upenergizeelectrifygalvanizeperk upbrighten upcheer upseasonspiceinformal:buck uppep upadd zest toadd zing to

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French levain, based on Latin levamen ‘relief’ (literally ‘means of raising’), from levare ‘to lift’.

   Scrabble Points: 9

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