leav|en

leav|en «LEHV uhn», noun, verb.

–n.

1. any substance, such as yeast, that will cause fermentation and raise dough.

2. a small amount of fermenting dough kept for this purpose.

3. Figurative. an influence that, spreading silently and strongly, changes conditions or opinions: »

The leaven of reform was working.

4. Figurative. a tempering or modifying element; a tinge or admixture: »

to mix a leaven of charity in one's judgments. He had a leaven of the old man in him which showed that he was his true-born son (Washington Irving).

5. Figurative. character; sort: »

two men of the same leaven.

–v.t.

1. to raise with or as with a leaven; make (dough) light or lighter: »

Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (I Corinthians 5:6).

2. Figurative. to spread through and transform. SYNONYM(S): permeate, pervade.

3. Figurative. to blend or temper with some modifying element.

–v.i.

Figurative. to become transformed or modified under some strong influence: »

The play ultimately leavens according to the power and magic of the actress playing Joan (Saturday Review).

╂[< Old French levain < Latin levāmen a lifting < levāre to raise < levis light²]