Section M, N, and O

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"Section M, N, and O"

[Akin to D. modder
mud, G. moder mold, mud, Dan. mudder mud, and to E.
mud. See Mud.] A film or membrane which is
developed on the surface of fermented alcoholic liquids, such as
vinegar, wine, etc., and acts as a means of conveying the oxygen of
the air to the alcohol and other combustible principles of the
liquid, thus leading to their oxidation.

&fist; The film is composed of a mass of rapidly developing
microörganisms of the genus Mycoderma, and in the
mother of vinegar the microörganisms (Mycoderma
aceti) composing the film are the active agents in the Conversion
of the alcohol into vinegar. When thickened by growth, the film may
settle to the bottom of the fluid. See Acetous fermentation,
under Fermentation.

Moth"er, v. i. To become like, or
full of, mother, or thick matter, as vinegar.

Moth"ered (?), a. Thick, like
mother; viscid.

They oint their naked limbs with mothered
oil.

Dryden.

Moth"er*hood (?), n. The state of
being a mother; the character or office of a mother.

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"Section M, N, and O"