noun
- a substance, such as yeast or baking powder, used to make dough or batter rise
- something that causes change or has a transformative effect on a situation or group
Usage: figurative
Examples
- Yeast is the most common leavener used in bread baking.
- Baking soda acts as a leavener in quick breads and cakes.
- The recipe calls for a teaspoon of leavener to help the cake rise properly.
- New ideas can serve as a leavener in an organization stuck in old ways.
- Without a proper leavener, the cookies will be dense and flat.