[L. fermentum, from fervo, to boil. See Fervent.]

1. A gentle boiling; or the internal motion of the constituent parts of a fluid.

[In this sense it is rarely used. See Fermentation.]

2. Intestine motion; heat; tumult; agitation; as, to put the passions in a ferment; the state of people are in a ferment.

Subdue and cool the ferment of desire.

3. That which causes fermentation, as yeast, barm, or fermenting beer.