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compost

KOM-post /ˈkɒm.pɒst/

nounverbB1IELTSTOEFL

general

Decayed organic material used as a plant fertilizer; (as verb) to convert organic waste into compost.

Refers positively to beneficial, controlled biological recycling of organic matter into nutrient soil.

The story behind the word. Derived from Old French 'compost' and Latin 'componere' (to put together). Originally referred to a mixture of ingredients placed together to decay into natural fertilizer.

Word relationships

humus: Humus is fully decomposed organic matter occurring naturally in soil, while compost is actively prepared by humans.
fertilizer: Fertilizer can be mineral or synthetic chemical compounds, whereas compost is strictly biological matter.

synthetic fertilizer: Man-made inorganic chemical compounds added to soil.

Commonly confused with

landfill: Landfill buries general unsorted waste to store it, while compost turns organic waste into valuable nutrient soil.

Word family

compostable (adjective): Suitable for turning into compost.
composting (noun): The process of decaying organic waste.

Collocations

compost bin
organic compost
compost heap

Example sentences

"Adding rich compost to garden beds improves soil structure and retains vital moisture." Gardening practice
"Residents are encouraged to compost kitchen scraps rather than throwing them into garbage bins." Urban sustainability

Memory hook

COMPOST is COMPOSED of natural organic scraps. Put food scraps together to feed garden soil.

When not to use

Do not use for non-organic synthetic materials like plastic or glass.

Fun facts

Active compost heaps generate so much internal metabolic heat from microbial activity that they can reach temperatures above 60°C (140°F) even in winter!