loamy

American  

[loh-mee] / ˈloʊ mi /

adjective

loamier, loamiest

1. relating to, characterized by, or being soil that is rich and crumbly because it contains roughly equal parts of sand and silt and a smaller proportion of clay.

   Most roses thrive in loamy, well-drained soil and prefer consistent watering.

   This all-terrain road bike bounds over loamy forest trails as easily as it rolls over smooth tarmac.

2. similar to or evoking rich soil in scent, consistency, etc..

   The Margaux wine reveals some dusty, loamy, earthy notes intermixed with licorice and herbs.

3. relating to or being a mixture of clay, sand, straw, etc., used in plastering walls, stopping holes, making molds for founding, etc..

   The pleasant natural color of loamy plaster gives a warm feeling to this traditionally built home.

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Other Word Forms

• loaminess noun

Etymology

Origin of loamy

First recorded in 1595–1605; loam ( def. ) + -y ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Part of the message, written on two, scrunched-up translucent sheets of paper, read: “Bismark Omit leafage buck bank / Paul Ramify loamy event false new event.”

From New York Times • Jan. 8, 2024

It adds nutrients, attracts beneficial microbes and — perhaps most important — helps create a loamy soil that more easily absorbs and retains the water it receives.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2023

Nestled along coastal waterways, which created fertile loamy soil, the Low Country is abundant with fresh seafood, produce, and grains.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2022

But things improve when the trail dives into a grove of aspens, an intoxicating realm of filtered sunlight, loamy trail and the fragrant decay of autumn in the Rocky Mountains.

From Washington Post • Nov. 4, 2021

The words come back to me: She thrust her sword into the loamy earth.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• abundant
• arable
• fruitful
• lush
• productive
• rich