compost
Used as an adjective to describe materials, containers, or processes related to decayed organic matter used for fertilizing land. It identifies items specifically designated for or created from the decomposition of food and plant waste.
Examples
3 of 5Please place all your vegetable scraps into the compost bucket under the sink.
Please put your leftover vegetables in the bin used for organic waste.
The municipality has implemented a mandatory compost collection program for all residential areas.
The city started a required program to pick up organic waste from homes.
I need to find some compost worms to help break down the kitchen scraps faster.
I'm looking for specific worms that eat organic waste to speed up the process.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'COM-' in 'COMpost' meaning 'together' (like 'combine'). You put organic waste 'together' in a 'post' (spot) to rot.
Quick Quiz
Most modern cities provide a green ___ bin specifically for food waste and yard clippings.
Correct!
The correct answer is: compost
Examples
Please place all your vegetable scraps into the compost bucket under the sink.
everydayPlease put your leftover vegetables in the bin used for organic waste.
The municipality has implemented a mandatory compost collection program for all residential areas.
formalThe city started a required program to pick up organic waste from homes.
I need to find some compost worms to help break down the kitchen scraps faster.
informalI'm looking for specific worms that eat organic waste to speed up the process.
The research focuses on the chemical properties of compost leachate and its effect on local groundwater.
academicThe study looks at the liquid draining from organic waste piles and its impact on water.
Our restaurant exclusively uses compost packaging to align with our sustainability goals.
businessOur business uses food-safe containers that can be broken down naturally to stay eco-friendly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
compost heap
a large pile of organic matter being turned into fertilizer
compost tea
a liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water
compost-ready
materials that are prepared or suitable to be decomposed
Often Confused With
Composite refers to something made of various distinct parts, while compost refers to decayed organic matter.
Composition refers to the way parts are put together or a piece of writing, not organic fertilizer.
Usage Notes
When used as an adjective, 'compost' usually functions as a noun adjunct (a noun acting as an adjective) to modify words like 'bin', 'pile', or 'system'. To describe a material that can be turned into compost, 'compostable' is more frequently used in technical contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'composted' as a general adjective for containers, but 'compost bin' is the standard term. 'Composted' should only be used to describe the finished, decomposed material (e.g., composted manure).
Memory Tip
Think of the 'COM-' in 'COMpost' meaning 'together' (like 'combine'). You put organic waste 'together' in a 'post' (spot) to rot.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'composte' meaning a mixture or compound, originating from the Latin 'compositum'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, composting has shifted from a rural farming practice to a symbol of urban environmental responsibility and 'green' living.
Quick Quiz
Most modern cities provide a green ___ bin specifically for food waste and yard clippings.
Correct!
The correct answer is: compost
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