humus
pronunciation
How to pronounce humus in British English:
UK [ˈhju:məs]
How to pronounce humus in American English:
US [ˈhjuməs]
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- Noun:
- partially decomposed organic matter; the organic component of soil
- a thick spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic; used especially as a dip for pita; originated in the Middle East
Word Origin
- humus
- humus: see humble
- humus (n.)
- 1796, from Latin humus "earth, soil," probably from humi "on the ground," from PIE *dhghem- "earth" (source also of Latin humilis "low;" see chthonic). Related: Humous (adj.).
Example
- 1. Wind and spring floods erode soils , exposing underlying layers and premiering new compositions of humus and minerals on the surface .
- 2. Soil microorganism plays an important role in the process of nutrient transformation and humus forming in soil .
- 3. Soil which contains a lot of humus is more fertile than that which only has a little .
- 4. So the topsoil is bits of rock mixed with things that are once alive . These things in the topsoil that were once alive are called humus .
- 5. Plants grow in soil which has a dark colour . This dark soil is humus .