compost

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   decayed organic material used to fertilize soil and improve its structure

   They spread a layer of compost over the vegetable beds in spring.

2. 2
   noun

   chiefly British: a prepared growing medium in which plants or seeds are cultivated

   Fill each pot with fresh compost before planting the seedlings.

3. 3
   verb

   to let organic waste decay into compost or to treat it in this way

   We compost fruit peelings, coffee grounds, and fallen leaves.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Compost entered late Middle English from French compôte, “stewed fruit,” which came from Old French composte and ultimately from Latin compositum, “something put together.” Its original English meaning was fruit compote, while its gardening sense dates from the late 16th century. Latin compositum was formed from com-, “with,” and ponere, “to put or place.”

From Middle English compost and Old Northern French compost, 'a mixture or preparation,' from Latin compositus, the past participle of componere, 'to put together.' The agricultural sense arose from materials combined and allowed to decay. It is related to compose, composite, and compote.

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
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