soil

verb \ ˈsȯi(-ə)l \

Definition of soil

transitive verb

1 :to stain or defile morally :corrupt

2 :to make unclean especially superficially :dirty

3 :to blacken or taint (something, such as a person's reputation) by word or deed

intransitive verb

:to become soiled or dirty

Origin and Etymology of soil

Middle English, from Anglo-French soiller, suiller, from Old French soil wallow of a wild boar, abyss, from Latin solium chair, bathtub; akin to Latin sedēre to sit — more at sit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

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soil

noun

Definition of soil

1 a :soilage, stain

protect a dress from soil

b :moral defilement :corruption

2 :something that spoils or pollutes: such as

a :refuse

b :sewage

c :dung, excrement

First Known Use of soil

1501

soil

noun

Definition of soil

1 :firm land :earth

2 a :the upper layer of earth that may be dug or plowed and in which plants grow

b :the superficial unconsolidated and usually weathered part of the mantle of a planet and especially of the earth

3 :country, land

our native soil

4 :the agricultural life or calling

5 :a medium in which something takes hold and develops

Origin and Etymology of soil

Middle English, from Anglo-French, soil, piece of land, from Vulgar Latin *solium, alteration of Latin solea sole, sandal, foundation timber — more at sole

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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