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

/ kŏm′pōst′ /

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 Words From

• compost·a·ble adjective
• compost·er 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

And that by 2030 it will “achieve zero waste through a combination of waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting”, and become “water positive”.

From BBC

Right before Agatha lays one on Death and is turned into compost, it seems as though she is going to let Rio take him.

From Salon

If something so simple and old school like compost can not happen in this city, well that tells you how behind the US is.

From Salon

Further back is the three-tier composting system set up by Farmscape, which Angel says is the “secret sauce” to her garden’s success.

From Los Angeles Times

In the past few years, more plastic has been going to incinerators and less food waste - which councils are now sending to anaerobic digesters or to be composted.

From BBC

Related Words

• fertilizer