A
machine or
apparatus used for the
chemical decomposition of a substance, usually a
carbohydrate, due to the action of
enzymes produced by
bacteria,
yeasts or
molds.
Fermentation usually occurs in an
oxygen-free
environment, and typically involves the conversion of
starch or
sugar into
ethyl alcohol.
From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.