What is humus? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of humus

humusnoun

đất mùn

/ˈhjuːməs//ˈhjuːməs/

Where does the word humus come from?

The word "humus" may sound unfamiliar to some people, but it has a simple origin. In Latin, "humus" means "soil" or "earth." It comes from the same root as the Latin verb "humere," which means "to cover" or "bury." The concept of soil encompasses more than just the physical substance underlying vegetation. Soil holds a complex set of chemical and biological processes that are essential to the growth and development of plants. It is known as humus because its dark color gives the soil an appearance of being rich in organic matter. This fertile soil, which harbors countless biological activities, could thus be associated with life and renewal. The Latin term "humus" has been in use since ancient times and was also adopted by the Greek language, which used the equivalent word "χúμος" (khumos). The word "huemus" appears in Ovid's Metamorphoses, which was written in Latin around 8 CE. The importance of the term has been recognized and adopted in various modern languages, including English and many European languages such as French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. In summary, the word "humus" comes from the Latin roots meaning "earth" and "bury," alluding to the constituents that are buried and transformed within the soil, giving it its rich organic properties.

Vocabulary summary humus

typenoun

meaninghumus

Example of vocabulary humusnamespace

  • Sarah spread a thick layer of humus made from chickpeas and tahini on her whole wheat pita bread for a healthy and delicious snack.
  • The hummus dip was a perfect match for the crisp vegetables that Rachel had prepared for an afternoon gathering with friends.
  • The vegan restaurant served an array of dishes including hummus with pita bread, roasted vegetables, and fresh greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon.
  • Jason's favorite meal was a simple and nutritious combination of rice, beans, sautéed veggies, and hummus.
  • The family's weekly grocery haul included hummus, which they enjoyed with their sandwiches, salads, or as a dip for raw veggies.

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