as in loam
a brown or black material in soil that is formed when plants and animals decay
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Recent Examples of humus
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
See All Example Sentences for humus
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
See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
Noun
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Many of us can’t wait to get into our gardens, turn over that fine Illinois loam and plant.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
-
Those interactions spring from the rich loam of history and lore that gives the sport its halcyon glow, and from which even a humble amateur game absorbs vicarious grandeur.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Previous wildfire testing has found roughly 20% of properties fail to meet California’s cleanup goals for potentially toxic materials after a first round of debris removal, which typically involves taking off about 6 inches of topsoil.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
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Bulk mulch, compost, and topsoil are sold by the cubic yard, which equals 27 cubic feet.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The earthy clay hue reads modern, while the grey stripe can go coastal or cottagecore.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
16 May 2025
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And unlike blackhead strips or clay masks, which are typically recommended for once- or twice-weekly use, many pore-minimizing serums can be applied every day; with consistent use, meaning clearer, smoother skin in a matter of weeks.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
15 May 2025
Noun
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This traditional market, built in the 1820s with mud and palm leaves, is just a 15-minute drive from the mosque.—
Natasha Amar,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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Wooden artifacts or structures are generally rare finds for archaeologists because the material disintegrates quickly unless preserved in a low-oxygen environment, such as mud or water.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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