subsoil

[ suhb-soil ]

See synonyms for subsoil on Thesaurus.com

noun

the bed or stratum of earth or earthy material immediately under the surface soil.

Origin of subsoil

First recorded in 1790–1800; sub- + soil¹

Also called undersoil.

Words Nearby subsoil

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

How to use subsoil in a sentence

For the subsoil of the whole country is very rich, as trees of immense size and height readily demonstrate.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614 | Various
The physical characters of the subsoil are often of much importance to the soil itself.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry | Thomas Anderson
In such cases the benefits of subsoil ploughing and deep ploughing are conspicuous.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry | Thomas Anderson
The subsoil should be drained four or six feet below the cellar floor, and this floor is to be laid in concrete and cement.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine | Austin Malley
On a subsoil of rocky character the foundation course or even the first and second courses might be unnecessary.
The Private Life of the Romans | Harold Whetstone Johnston

British Dictionary definitions for subsoil

subsoil

/ (ˈsʌbˌsɔɪl) /

noun

- Also called: undersoil the layer of soil beneath the surface soil and overlying the bedrock
- (as modifier): a subsoil plough

verb

(tr) to plough (land) to a depth below the normal ploughing level and so break up the subsoil

Derived forms of subsoil

subsoiler, noun

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 subsoil

subsoil

[ sŭb′soil′ ]

In an ABC soil, the B horizon. The term was formerly used to mean the layer of earth below the humus or surface soil.

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