mother of vinegar

noun phrase

: a slimy or gelatinous film composed chiefly of acetic acid-producing bacteria that develops on the surface of alcoholic liquids undergoing aerobic fermentation and is added to wine or cider to produce vinegar

called also mother

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mother of vinegar

: a slimy mass of yeast cells and bacteria that forms on the surface of liquids in a process of alcoholic fermentation and is added to wine or cider to produce vinegar

called also mother