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
-
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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Last month, archaeologists were able to start excavating and securing the site, which is located on a low beach embankment and protected only by a thin layer of topsoil.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 June 2025
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Green harvesting spares the air, preserves topsoil, and provides leafy residue to turn into byproducts and mulch, thereby creating new sources of revenue and jobs.—
Colin Walkes,
Sun Sentinel,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
The transition from clay to grass has proven tough for most players, and the last woman to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same season was Serena Williams a decade ago.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
1 July 2025
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In the 1960s, geologist Walter Alvarez discovered a thin layer of black clay in rocks around the world.—
Kiona N. Smith,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
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The crews used an excavator to lift the uninjured Dancer out of the mud, officials said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
-
Kong pounds and punches his way through materials and crawls through mud to uncover collectibles.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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