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

"This is industrial-scale. It's not compost bins and home kitchens. It's massive industries that generate food-waste-grade products every single day," said Hill-Maini.

From Salon

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

We cut budgets in a city like New York on compost — that’s so short-sighted to me.

From Salon

“That first summer, when we put compost on our garden, it was crazy,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fertilizer