humic

[hyoo-mik, yoo-]

adjective

Chemistry.

1. of or noting a substance, as an acid, obtained from humus.

humic

/ ˈhjuːmɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, derived from, or resembling humus

   humic acids

Word History and Origins

Origin of humic¹

1835–45; < Latin hum(us) “ground, mold” + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of humic¹

C19: from Latin humus ground + _-ic

Example Sentences

The decaying mosses release humic acids and sphagnan, a complex sugar, that make life difficult for the microorganisms that would normally cause rotting and decay.

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All of it has darkened somewhat because of the development of humic acids.

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Organic-rich soils seem particularly problematic; they are ripe with molecules like humic acid, which behaves like DNA and can foul later sequencing.

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Other ‘humic’ organics are released from soil and coal.

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When a plant dies, decay brings organic material, a component of which is large carbon-based molecules called humic acids, into the soil and binds them to the soil’s molecules.

Read more on Washington Post