humus

[ hyoo-muhsor, often, yoo- ]

noun

1. the dark organic material in soils, produced by the decomposition of vegetable or animal matter and essential to the fertility of the earth.

humus

/ ˈhjuːməs /

noun

1. a dark brown or black colloidal mass of partially decomposed organic matter in the soil. It improves the fertility and water retention of the soil and is therefore important for plant growth

humus

/ hyo̅o̅′məs /

1. A dark-brown or black organic substance made up of decayed plant or animal matter. Humus provides nutrients for plants and increases the ability of soil to retain water.

Usage

See hummus

Other Words From

• non·humus noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humus¹

1790–1800; < Latin: earth, ground; akin to Greek chamaí on the ground, chthṓn earth, Sanskrit kṣam-, Lithuanian žẽmė, Serbo-Croatian zèmlja ground, earth; chameleon, chthonian, zemstvo; Homo

Word History and Origins

Origin of humus¹

C18: from Latin: soil, earth

Example Sentences

But enough humus–time to get back outside, and see a little archeology!

From The Daily Beast

The particular phenomena of vegetation also afford abundant evidence that humus cannot be the only source of carbon.

From Project Gutenberg

It did not notice Forrester scurrying away in the shape of an ant through the leaves and thick humus of the jungle floor.

From Project Gutenberg

The generation of the humus-acids is probably hastened during the digestion of the many half-decayed leaves which worms consume.

From Project Gutenberg

The upper few inches of soil is humus rich in organic matter; below this is clay.

From Project Gutenberg

See that the soil contains enough humus or vegetable mold to make it rich and to enable it to hold moisture.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clay
• coast
• dirt
• dust
• gravel
• land
• mud
• sand
• shore
• surface
• terrain
• turf