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noun
1.
the portion of the earth's surface consisting of disintegrated rock and humus.
2.
a particular kind of earth: sandy soil.
3.
the ground as producing vegetation or as cultivated for its crops: fertile soil.
4.
a country, land, or region: an act committed on American soil.
5.
EXPANDthe ground or earth: tilling the soil.
Origin:
1300–50; Middle English soile < Anglo-French soyl < Latin solium seat, confused with solum ground
1300–50; Middle English soile < Anglo-French soyl < Latin solium seat, confused with solum ground
Related forms
soil·less, adjective
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Soils
is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
Dictionary.com Unabridged
verb (used with object)
1.
to make unclean, dirty, or filthy, especially on the surface: to soil one's clothes.
2.
to smirch, smudge, or stain: The ink soiled his hands.
3.
to sully or tarnish, as with disgrace; defile morally: to soil one's good name.
verb (used without object)
4.
to become soiled: White soils easily.
noun
5.
the act or fact of soiling.
6.
the state of being soiled.
7.
a spot, mark, or stain.
8.
dirty or foul matter; filth; sewage.
9.
ordure; manure.
Origin:
1175–1225; Middle English soilen (v.) < Old French souiller, soillier to dirty < Vulgar Latin *suculāre, equivalent to sū(s) pig + -cul(us) -cle1 + -āre infinitive ending
1175–1225; Middle English soilen (v.) < Old French souiller, soillier to dirty < Vulgar Latin *suculāre, equivalent to sū(s) pig + -cul(us) -cle1 + -āre infinitive ending
Synonyms
3. blacken, taint, debase.
3. blacken, taint, debase.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To soils
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
soil
"the earth or ground," c.1300, from Anglo-Fr. soil "piece of ground, place" (13c.), from L. solium "seat," meaning confused with that of L. solum "soil, ground." Meaning "mould, earth, dirt" (especially that which plants grow in) is attested from c.1440.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
soil  (soil) Pronunciation Key
The loose top layer of the Earth's surface, consisting of rock and mineral particles mixed with decayed organic matter (humus), and capable of retaining water, providing nutrients for plants, and supporting a wide range of biotic communities. Soil is formed by a combination of depositional, chemical, and biological processes and plays an important role in the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrologic cycles. Soil types vary widely from one region to another, depending on the type of bedrock they overlie and the climate in which they form. In wet and humid regions, for example, soils tend to be thicker than they do in dry regions. See more at A horizon, B horizon, C horizon., See illustration at ABC soil. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
soil definition
Material on the surface of the Earth on which plants can grow. (See topsoil.)
Note: Soil is produced by the weathering of rocks.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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