as in loam
a brown or black material in soil that is formed when plants and animals decay
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Example Sentences
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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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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
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Emerging research suggests that there can be restorative effects to—for example—hearing birdsong, seeing trees, or smelling pleasant natural scents, such as loam or leaves.—
Kate Siber,
Outside Online,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Trees help to reduce the erosion of topsoil caused by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean the air and also provide habitats for wildlife, according to the Arbor Day Foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Fill Small Gaps If any small gaps exist between strips of sod, fill them with topsoil.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Everything is then sealed with bentonite, a soft, plastic clay that insulates the containers and acts as a buffer against minor movements in the bedrock.—
Marta Abbà,
Wired News,
23 Apr. 2025
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The clay blush provides all-day color to keep you looking fresh.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Offensively, the Bucks can’t keep playing in mud while the Pacers are playing on a fastbreak runway.—
Brian Sampson,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The other features walls and a wooden pyramid installation covered in yellow mud.—
Emily Wilson,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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