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
Brunch might mean a humus bowl layered with lamb and pickled onion, or a shakshuka made with black lime tomato stew.
—
Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Unless the compost is fully broken down into humus, this incorporation will also work organic matter into the soil, which helps with aeration and further supports microorganisms.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Closer and closer, the aroma draws me like a magnet…sun on granite, black humus, balsam fir, and a faint whiff of yellow birch smoke.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 2025
Collectively, these leftovers become part of the humus of the soil, helping retain water and support soil-dwelling microbes, invertebrates and roots.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humus
Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Unless the compost is fully broken down into humus, this incorporation will also work organic matter into the soil, which helps with aeration and further supports microorganisms.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
Closer and closer, the aroma draws me like a magnet…sun on granite, black humus, balsam fir, and a faint whiff of yellow birch smoke.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 2025
Collectively, these leftovers become part of the humus of the soil, helping retain water and support soil-dwelling microbes, invertebrates and roots.
—Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
Noun
-
Sandy soil is more prone to hydrophobia than loam or clay.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Soil types include gravel and sedimentary loam closer to the river and volcanic rock distributed on the hillsides, a combination that adds distinct aromas, flavors, and minerality to the wines made here.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Oaks also produce superior leaf litter with thick, leathery leaves that can take up to three years to break down, thereby sheltering beneficial insects and protecting topsoil.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
-
Our gardens suffer from annual topsoil loss, reducing productivity.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
For example, most labels won’t tell you what kind of soil a plant needs; only some plants can handle the dense, alkaline clay soil common in the Chicago area.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
The spaces are outfitted with custom parota wood furniture, Smart TVs, espresso makers, and beautiful artisanal touches like clay planters and bespoke mezcal glasses.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s a beautiful outdoor courtyard pool and an indoor one; Iyashi Dôme, hammam, mud bath, a Visbody scanner for body composition and posture analysis; a high-tech fitness centre.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
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After a rinse, the mud revealed perfectly polished skin, relieved of dullness, redness, and clogged pores and blackheads—leaving me glowing from the inside and out.—
Essence,
Essence,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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