compost

[kom-pohst]

noun

1. a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil.

2. a composition; compound.

verb (used with object)

1. to use in compost; make compost of.

   to compost manure and kitchen scraps.

2. to apply compost to (soil).

verb (used without object)

1. to make compost.

   Shredded leaves will compost easily.

compost

/ ˈkɒmpɒst /

noun

1. a mixture of organic residues such as decomposed vegetation, manure, etc, used as a fertilizer

2. a mixture, normally of plant remains, peat, charcoal, etc, in which plants are grown, esp in pots

3. rare,  a compound or mixture

verb

1. to make (vegetable matter) into compost

2. to fertilize with compost

compost

1. A mixture of decayed or decaying organic matter used to fertilize soil. Compost is usually made by gathering plant material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable peels, into a pile or bin and letting it decompose as a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.

Other Word Forms

• compostable adjective
• composter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compost¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French < Latin compositum, noun use of neuter of compositus composite; compote

Word History and Origins

Origin of compost¹

C14: from Old French compost, from Latin compositus put together; see _composite

Example Sentences

If your hatred for the show burns hotter than your oven’s broiler, there’s a brisk business in finding creative new ways to heap verbal compost on the titular host and all her endeavors.

From Salon

Miraculously, the first ring was quickly discovered after Mr Van Ysseldyk recognised some sausages that his family had thrown out with their compost.

From BBC

The workshop leaders discussed the possibility of creating a “sacrificial zone,” potentially under trees, where materials such as lead-laced plants are composted.

From Los Angeles Times

This process, known as sheet mulching, involves layering cardboard or newspaper over the grass and weeds to smother them, creating a natural compost that enriches the soil and suppresses weed growth.

From Los Angeles Times

“By 2050 we’ll be in a completely new paradigm,” said Ryan Jackson, executive director of LA Compost — a composting advocacy organization — and former director of the city’s Department of Public Works.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fertilizer