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geology
: a brown or black complex variable material resulting from partial decomposition of plant or animal matter and forming the organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1a(2)) portion of soil
Examples of humus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Made with a blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus, and perlite, this potting mix helps ensure good drainage to keep roots healthy.
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Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2024
When separating clumps, add humus to the new planting area, spread roots out, and water well for smooth transplanting.
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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.
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Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and all that humus rot.
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Chris Bohjalian, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
Strobe lights periodically illuminated three large heaps of compost, flecked with humus; a machine puffed artificial fog.
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Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023
No matter how it is described, the humus-like material distributed to gardeners, neighborhood groups and landscapers by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is still sewage sludge — a byproduct of human excrement and industrial waste from Chicago and the Cook County suburbs.
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Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022
Put some humus in there, keep it simple.
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Town & Country, 21 Mar. 2021
If humus isn’t doing the stabilizing, perhaps minerals and aggregates are.
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Quanta Magazine, 2 Aug. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'humus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near humus
Cite this Entry
“Humus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humus. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
humus
noun
hu·mus
ˈhyü-məs
ˈyü-
: a brown or black product of partial decay of plant or animal matter that forms the organic portion of soil
More from Merriam-Webster on humus
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for humus
Nglish: Translation of humus for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about humus
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