compost

[ kom-pohst ]
/ ˈkɒm poʊst /

noun

a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil.
a composition; compound.

verb (used with object)

to use in compost; make compost of: to compost manure and kitchen scraps.
to apply compost to (soil).

verb (used without object)

to make compost: Shredded leaves will compost easily.

Origin of compost

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French < Latin compositum, noun use of neuter of compositus composite; cf. compote

OTHER WORDS FROM compost

com·post·a·ble, adjective com·post·er, noun

Words nearby compost

composition, composition of forces, composition series, compositor, compossible, compost, compostable, compostela, composting toilet, composure, compotation

British Dictionary definitions for compostable (1 of 2)

compostable
/ (kɒmˈpɒstəbəl) /

adjective

capable of being used as compost compostable waste

British Dictionary definitions for compostable (2 of 2)

compost
/ (ˈkɒmpɒst) /

noun

a mixture of organic residues such as decomposed vegetation, manure, etc, used as a fertilizer
a mixture, normally of plant remains, peat, charcoal, etc, in which plants are grown, esp in pots
rare a compound or mixture

verb (tr)

to make (vegetable matter) into compost
to fertilize with compost

Word Origin for compost

C14: from Old French compost, from Latin compositus put together; see composite

Scientific definitions for compostable

compost
[ kŏm′pōst′ ]

A mixture of decayed or decaying organic matter used to fertilize soil. Compost is usually made by gathering plant material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable peels, into a pile or bin and letting it decompose as a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and other organisms.