humic

American

[hyoo-mik, yoo-] / ˈhyu mɪk, ˈyu- /

adjective

Chemistry.

of or noting a substance, as an acid, obtained from humus.

humic British

/ ˈhjuːmɪk /

adjective

of, relating to, derived from, or resembling humus

humic acids

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of humic

1835–45; < Latin hum(us) “ground, mold” + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The decaying mosses release humic acids and sphagnan, a complex sugar, that make life difficult for the microorganisms that would normally cause rotting and decay.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2023

Organic-rich soils seem particularly problematic; they are ripe with molecules like humic acid, which behaves like DNA and can foul later sequencing.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 10, 2019

The purchase of the humic acid supplier opened access to raw materials, said Yu.

From BusinessWeek • Jun. 22, 2011

Lignite coal is the main raw material for Yongye’s humic acid products, according to filings.

From BusinessWeek • Jun. 22, 2011

A small portion of nitrogen unites with hydrogen, forming ammonia, which remains combined with the humic and other acids.

From Peat and its Uses as Fertilizer and Fuel by Johnson, Samuel W. (Samuel William)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023