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compost

KOM-pohst /ˈkɒmpoʊst/

nounverbB1IELTS

generalprofessional

Decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer and soil amendment.

Refers to a rich, soil-like substance created by the controlled decomposition of organic waste (like food scraps and leaves). It improves soil structure and biology.

The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'componere', meaning 'to put together' (the same root that gives us 'compose' and 'composition'). Originally, in the 14th century, a 'compost' was a mixture of various ingredients, often a sweet preserve or condiment. By the 16th century, farmers adapted the word to describe the 'putting together' of manure, straw, and soil to rot into a rich fertilizer.

Word relationships

humus: Humus is the fully stable, organic component of soil that cannot decay further, whereas compost is still-decomposing organic matter managed by humans.
fertilizer: Fertilizer provides direct, concentrated chemical nutrients to plants, while compost feeds the soil food web and improves soil structure.

Commonly confused with

mulch: Mulch is laid on top of the soil to protect it, whereas compost is mixed into the soil to enrich it.

Word family

composting (noun): The process of recycling organic waste into compost.

Collocations

compost bin
organic compost
compost heap
make compost

Example sentences

"Instead of throwing away vegetable peels, add them to your backyard bin to create nutrient-rich compost." A guide to sustainable household habits.
"Mixing compost into sandy soil helps it retain moisture and introduces beneficial microorganisms." An organic farming textbook.

Memory hook

Think of 'composing' a song—you put different notes together. When you make 'compost', you put different organic scraps together to make something beautiful. Compost is nature's recycled recipe.

When not to use

Do not confuse with raw garbage or fresh manure; compost must undergo a thermal decomposition process to be safe and beneficial for plants.

Fun facts

A healthy compost pile can reach internal temperatures of up to 160°F (71°C) due to the intense heat generated by billions of hard-working, decomposing microbes.