humus

noun

hu·​mus ˈhyü-məs How to pronounce humus (audio)
ˈyü-
geology : a brown or black complex variable material resulting from partial decomposition of plant or animal matter and forming the organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1a(2)) portion of soil

Examples of humus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When separating clumps, add humus to the new planting area, spread roots out, and water well for smooth transplanting. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 In addition to sphagnum peat moss, however, the lightweight potting mix contains humus and perlite, which help provide the necessary aeration and drainage for cacti and succulents. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and all that humus rot. Chris Bohjalian, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023 Strobe lights periodically illuminated three large heaps of compost, flecked with humus; a machine puffed artificial fog. Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 No matter how it is described, the humus-like material distributed to gardeners, neighborhood groups and landscapers by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is still sewage sludge — a byproduct of human excrement and industrial waste from Chicago and the Cook County suburbs. Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022 Put some humus in there, keep it simple. Town & Country, 21 Mar. 2021 If humus isn’t doing the stabilizing, perhaps minerals and aggregates are. Quanta Magazine, 2 Aug. 2021 Farmers were instructed to adopt practices that were supposed to build humus. Quanta Magazine, 2 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'humus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, earth — more at humble

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of humus was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near humus

Cite this Entry

“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

humus

noun
hu·​mus ˈhyü-məs How to pronounce humus (audio)
ˈyü-
: a brown or black product of partial decay of plant or animal matter that forms the organic portion of soil

Medical Definition

humus

noun
hu·​mus ˈhyü-məs How to pronounce humus (audio) ˈyü- How to pronounce humus (audio)
: a brown or black complex variable material resulting from partial decomposition of plant or animal matter and forming the organic portion of soil

More from Merriam-Webster on humus

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