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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Sandy soil is more prone to hydrophobia than loam or clay.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
18 Oct. 2025
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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
Noun
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With the exception of the biological components found in Earth’s topsoil, the composition of the Moon’s regolith is identical to the composition of Earth’s crust.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Nov. 2025
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They had been driven from their farms by drought and poor agricultural practices that left topsoil vulnerable to erosion.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Mosaic archways loom overhead, and the 240-seat dining room is awash with terra-cotta banquettes, sea-blue touches, and clay-toned neutral hues.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
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Poor drainage can lead to root rot, especially if your lavender is planted in an area with wet or clay-heavy soil.—
Sheryl Geerts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In Talisay city, rows of homes have been flattened and communities along the Mananga River buried in mud and debris.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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In 1997, Stewart was pictured wearing overalls, an oversized barn jacket, and over-the-knee mud boots with her arm wrapped around the neck of a cow.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/humus. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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