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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.
—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.
—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
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.
—Chicago Tribune Staff, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022
Put some humus in there, keep it simple.
—Town & Country, 21 Mar. 2021
If humus isn’t doing the stabilizing, perhaps minerals and aggregates are.
—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 10 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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