subsoil

sub·soil | \ ˈsəb-ˌsȯi(-ə)l

How to pronounce subsoil (audio)

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Definition of subsoil

(Entry 1 of 2)

: the stratum of weathered material that underlies the surface soil

subsoil

subsoiled; subsoiling; subsoils

Definition of subsoil (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to turn, break, or stir the subsoil of

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Examples of subsoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Built on the edge of the city's main expressway, the mall had suffered previous subsoil slides. — Frank Miles, Fox News, "Controversial Mexico City shopping mall partially collapses," 12 July 2018 Natural and man-made grooves in the subsoil or bedrock hold more moisture than the undisturbed ground around them and are usually filled with richer soils. — The Economist, "Dry weather is helping archaeologists discover ancient sites," 12 July 2018 Chief Meteorologist Steve Horstmeyer said those are created when cold works downward through wet soil and subsoil. — Jessica Schmidt, Cincinnati.com, "What is causing booms, flashing lights in Colerain Township?," 16 Jan. 2018 Top dressing means materials will work into the subsoil by rainfall, irrigation, and activity of subsoil organisms i.e. earthworms. — Jefferson County Cooperative Extension, AL.com, "No-till gardening, is it for me? (Garden Talk)," 21 Feb. 2018 New construction should be set to stable subsoils with adequate footings to preclude uneven settling of your home's structure. — Duo Dickinson, courant.com, "Cracking Up: How To Repair Gaps Around Trim, Windows And Doors Caused By Humidity Shifts," 31 Aug. 2017 One thing that makes the area special is the subsoil’s high proportion of limestone, great chunks of which are piled up along Vineyard Road, where some of the top wineries are located. — Jay Mcinerney, Town & Country, "Two Brothers Lead California's Next Great Wine Experiment," 25 July 2017 Sue, Indianapolis Dear Reader: In building houses, the topsoil (upper 6 inches) is often either removed or covered by subsoil. — Dick Crum, Indianapolis Star, "Dr. Dirt: Japanese beetles have made comeback in Indiana," 21 July 2017 Trees, like moss, absorb radiation from the subsoil. — Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, "Chernobyl’s Silent Exclusion Zone (Except for the Logging)," 23 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subsoil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Subsoil.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsoil. Accessed 12 December 2019.

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