Definition

1. Noun:

   • A mixture of decaying organic matter, such as leaves, vegetable scraps, and manure, that is used to improve soil and fertilize plants.

2. Verb:

   • To convert organic material into compost through a controlled process of decomposition.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • We added rich compost to the garden beds before planting.
  • The compost in the bin is almost ready to use.

• Verb:

  • You can compost most kitchen waste, like fruit peels and coffee grounds.
  • They are composting yard trimmings to reduce landfill waste.

Advanced Usage

• "to make compost": to actively create compost by piling and managing organic materials.
  • We make compost from our household's food scraps and fallen leaves.
• "compost heap/pile/bin": terms for the contained or piled location where composting occurs.
  • Turn the material in your compost pile every few weeks to aerate it.

Variants and Related Words

• Compostable (adj): describing material that can be broken down into compost.
  • This packaging is marked as compostable.
• Composting (n/gerund): the process of making compost.
  • Home composting is an effective way to recycle organic waste.

Synonyms

• Noun: Humus, organic fertilizer, mulch (when used as a soil cover).
• Verb: Decompose (organic matter), rot down, ferment (in a biological context).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• "compost down": to decompose into compost.
  • The leaves will compost down over the winter, creating a rich soil amendment.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a mixture of decaying vegetation and manure; used as a fertilizer

Verb

1. convert to compost
   • compost organic debris