loamy

[ loh-mee ]

adjective

, loam·i·er, loam·i·est.

1. relating to, characterized by, or being soil that is rich and crumbly because it contains roughly equal parts of sand and silt and a smaller proportion of clay:

   Most roses thrive in loamy, well-drained soil and prefer consistent watering.

   This all-terrain road bike bounds over loamy forest trails as easily as it rolls over smooth tarmac.

2. similar to or evoking rich soil in scent, consistency, etc.:

   The Margaux wine reveals some dusty, loamy, earthy notes intermixed with licorice and herbs.

3. relating to or being a mixture of clay, sand, straw, etc., used in plastering walls, stopping holes, making molds for founding, etc.:

   The pleasant natural color of loamy plaster gives a warm feeling to this traditionally built home.

Other Words From

• loam·i·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of loamy¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; loam ( def ) + -y ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Part of the message, written on two, scrunched-up translucent sheets of paper, read: “Bismark Omit leafage buck bank / Paul Ramify loamy event false new event.”

From New York Times

The conditions at Cornell also intentionally disfavored turf-grass weeds, which prefer the rich, loamy soil that our lawns typically inhabit.

From Seattle Times

The worker stabbed the loamy soil with a hoe dag, dropped in a delicate sequoia seedling and tamped the dirt tight around it.

From Los Angeles Times

The bag stank, like he had kept old cabbages in it, and the loamy scent of the leaves trapped inside did nothing to improve the smell.

From Literature

In the center of the previously empty arena, a swirling tornado of stone gray and loamy black whipped up gusts of frigid air and threw stinging clouds of arena dirt into Anya’s face.

From Literature

Related Words

• abundant
• arable
• fruitful
• lush
• productive
• rich