compost
KOM-pohst
/ˈkɒmpɒst/
Decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer.
As a noun, it's the finished product; as a verb, it's the process of breaking down waste.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'com' (together) and 'ponere' (to place). It shares the same history as 'composition' or 'composite'. It literally describes the act of putting various scraps of food and yard waste together to create something new.
Word relationships
- humus: Humus is the stable, fully decomposed organic matter in soil, while compost is the material we create to get there.
- waste: Waste is material thrown away, while compost is material recycled back into the earth.
Commonly confused with
- mulch: Mulch is a covering for the soil surface; compost is mixed into the soil to provide nutrients.
Word family
- composition (noun): The nature of something's ingredients or constituents.
Collocations
- compost bin
- compost heap
- organic compost
Example sentences
- "Compost is the most important supplement you can give your garden soil." Advice on soil health.
Memory hook
A 'composer' puts notes together to make music; a 'composter' puts scraps together to make soil. Compost = Components put together.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with 'fertilizer' in general; compost is specifically made from decomposed organic matter, whereas fertilizer can be synthetic.
Fun facts
- Compost can get so hot during the decomposition process (up to 160°F) that it can actually steam in the winter.
Related words
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Nature → Pollution & Waste Management
- Food Science & Culinary Craft → Food Waste & Overconsumption
- Hobbies, Crafts & Leisure → Gardening & Houseplants
- Home & Domestic Life → Waste Management & Recycling
- Home & Domestic Life → Lawn Care & Landscaping
- Civic Life & Public Services → Municipal Waste & Sanitation
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