noun, plural: organized ferments
A group of living microorganisms that causes fermentation.
Examples of organized ferments are yeasts, molds, and certain bacteria. They cause fermentation due to their growth and metabolism.
Yeasts, for instance, carry out fermentation, producing ethanol in beers, wines and other alcoholic drinks, along with the production of large quantities of carbon dioxide.
Vinegar or acetic acid is also produced by the direct result of bacterial metabolism.
Also called: formed ferment.
Compare: unorganized ferment.
See also: fermentation.