compost

[ kom-pohst ]

/ ˈkɒm poʊst /

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See synonyms for: compost / composted / composting on Thesaurus.com

noun

a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil.

a composition; compound.

verb (used with object)

to use in compost; make compost of: to compost manure and kitchen scraps.

to apply compost to (soil).

verb (used without object)

to make compost: Shredded leaves will compost easily.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of compost

1350–1400; Middle English <Anglo-French, Middle French <Latin compositum, noun use of neuter of composituscomposite; cf. compote

OTHER WORDS FROM compost

com·post·a·ble, adjectivecom·post·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use compost in a sentence

This summer, she and others proved that by eating away at those esters, the microbes in compost and in soil can break down this algae-based plastic.
Here’s how to make flip-flops biodegradable|Kathiann Kowalski|December 8, 2020|Science News For Students
The team put blocks of the new foam in mixes of soil and compost.
Here’s how to make flip-flops biodegradable|Kathiann Kowalski|December 8, 2020|Science News For Students
Made from an algae-based plastic, it’s designed to break down in soil or compost.
Here’s how to make flip-flops biodegradable|Kathiann Kowalski|December 8, 2020|Science News For Students
The degradation of inspirational language generates synthetic optimism and flimsy pride, the compost in which cynicism eventually takes root.
Paulo Coelho’s ‘The Archer’ aims for profundity but misses|Ron Charles|November 11, 2020|Washington Post

After further investigation, they realized that using compost, and the other regenerative techniques, could also lock carbon into the ground without the same costs.
This restaurant duo want a zero-carbon food system. Can it happen?|Bobbie Johnson|September 24, 2020|MIT Technology Review
Cities like San Francisco and Seattle have successfully implemented citywide composting.
Why Michael Bloomberg’s Composting Plan Stinks for Supers|Samantha Guff|June 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Leaves may be used as a manure, simply by ploughing them in, by composting them with lime, or by adding them to the manure heap.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry|Thomas Anderson
If domestic manures are applied, use about twelve cords to the acre, composting before plowing under.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
The appearance of the apparatus required for composting, and the compost laid up, may be better shown by the following figure.
The Elements of Agriculture|George E. Waring
The cost and trouble of the foregoing system of composting are trifling compared with its advantages.
The Elements of Agriculture|George E. Waring
The foregoing system of composting is the best that has yet been suggested for making use of solid manures.
The Elements of Agriculture|George E. Waring

British Dictionary definitions for compost

compost

/ (ˈkɒmpɒst) /

noun

a mixture of organic residues such as decomposed vegetation, manure, etc, used as a fertilizer

a mixture, normally of plant remains, peat, charcoal, etc, in which plants are grown, esp in pots

rare a compound or mixture

verb (tr)

to make (vegetable matter) into compost

to fertilize with compost

Word Origin for compost

C14: from Old French compost, from Latin compositus put together; see composite

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for compost

compost

[ kŏm′pōst′ ]

A mixture of decayed or decaying organic matter used to fertilize soil. Compost is usually made by gathering plant material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable peels, into a pile or bin and letting it decompose as a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

compost

Origin of compost

OTHER WORDS FROM compost

Words related to compost

How to use compost in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for compost

Word Origin for compost

Scientific definitions for compost