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
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
Burnt soil has obviously lost any mulch that had been present as well as the layer of decomposing organic material or humus just below it.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025
Including the sand provides better drainage, and the humus in the compost holds nutrients and provides moisture control.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for humus
Katarina Zimmer, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Burnt soil has obviously lost any mulch that had been present as well as the layer of decomposing organic material or humus just below it.
—Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025
Including the sand provides better drainage, and the humus in the compost holds nutrients and provides moisture control.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for humus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for humus
Noun
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But the conflict between Joe and Ted goes back further and is rooted in a deep loam of backstory that emerges bit by bit.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
5 Sep. 2025
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The region's soils consist of limestone, clay, and iron-rich loams.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Alternate 4-inch layers of shredded organic matter with 1 inch of topsoil or finished compost.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Oct. 2025
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Mulch may help rebuild topsoil and enhance water infiltration, potentially boosting plant vigor.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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If ceramic cooking pots from different locations were made out of the same clay or decorated similarly, for instance, that would suggest there may have been social linkages between the communities that fashioned the pots.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
8 Oct. 2025
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Instead of adding texture via techniques like sponge painting, opt for limewash or clay plaster treatment.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Chargers The fun that rookie QB Jaxson Dart brought in an upset win in Week 4 quickly dissipated with his three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) on Sunday, and the running game was stuck in the mud.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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For now, this Heat squad is a bit stuck in the mud.—
Alex Kirschenbaum,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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