humic

[ hyoo-mikor, often, yoo- ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

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

humic

/ ˈhjuːmɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, derived from, or resembling humus

   humic acids

Word History and Origins

Origin of humic¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of humic¹

C19: from Latin humus ground + -ic

Example Sentences

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

All of it has darkened somewhat because of the development of humic acids.

From Science Magazine

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

Other ‘humic’ organics are released from soil and coal.

From Nature

When a plant dies, decay brings organic material, a component of which is large carbon-based molecules called humic acids, into the soil and binds them to the soil’s molecules.

From Washington Post