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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Ensuring soil is covered with a thick layer of mulch before winter helps to reduce erosion and drying winds that deplete soil nutrients by removing the fertile topsoil.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Oct. 2025
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High winds brought loose topsoil across the state and into the city, limiting visibility and shocking meteorologists who had not documented a weather event of this kind in the city since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.—
Julia Rendleman,
ProPublica,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Other standout options include clay and lip mask beloved by Glamour editors.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
2 Oct. 2025
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The white clay room and red clay room were on point.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Star reported that three downpours turned the area near the stage into a mess in 2014, when mud-slinging left many attendees covered in goop.—
Dan Kelly
October 2,
Kansas City Star,
2 Oct. 2025
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While clearing mud out of the car, a volunteer — who was assisting with the cleanup and recovery process — discovered an old Bible inside the Mercedes.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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