topsoil
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
-
to spread topsoil on (land)
-
to remove the topsoil from (land)
Discover More
The loss of topsoil through erosion is a major agricultural problem.
Most of the land-based biological activity of the Earth takes place here.
Etymology
Origin of topsoil
Vocabulary lists containing topsoil
Natural Resources and the Environment - Introductory
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Earth Science - Middle School
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Natural Resources and the Environment - Middle School and High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Topsoil is being lost far faster than nature can replenish it; 30 percent of arable land has been exhausted since the mid-20th century.
From Salon • Aug. 16, 2022
Topsoil almost always has lots of air in it.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2021
Topsoil refers to where the soil is located, whereas loam refers to soil quality.
From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2018
Topsoil moisture is rated 70 percent adequate and 30 percent surplus, while subsoil moisture is 67 percent adequate and 32 percent surplus.
From Washington Times • Jul. 7, 2014
Topsoil may also be deepened by dust storms that pick up particles of humus from dry lands and carry them to moister areas.
From Civilization and Beyond Learning from History by Nearing, Scott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
