topsoil — the upper layer of soil that is richest in nutrients and organic matter
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the upper layer of soil that is richest in nutrients and organic matter
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɑːpˌsɔɪl/
Example Sentences
- The farmer was devastated when heavy rain washed away years of carefully cultivated topsoil.
- My grandmother's secret to amazing vegetables was never disturbing the precious topsoil in her garden.
- The lazy gardener thought all soil was the same until he accidentally planted flowers in subsoil instead of topsoil - they grew about as well as his cooking skills.
topsoil
NOUN[/ˈtɑːpˌsɔɪl/]
the upper layer of soil that is richest in nutrients and organic matter
The farmer scoops rich topsoil, dark and crumbly, ready for spring planting.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Topsoil is a 16th-century English compound formed by combining 'top' (upper) and 'soil' (earth). The term literally refers to the uppermost layer of soil, distinguishing the fertile surface layer from the subsoil beneath it.
Breakdown
top (upper/above) + soil (earth/ground). The compound describes the highest layer of earth containing organic matter and nutrients.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The farmer was devastated when heavy rain washed away years of carefully cultivated topsoil.”
“My grandmother's secret to amazing vegetables was never disturbing the precious topsoil in her garden.”
“The lazy gardener thought all soil was the same until he accidentally planted flowers in subsoil instead of topsoil - they grew about as well as his cooking skills.”
“Environmental scientists warn that topsoil loss is one of the most serious threats to global food security.”
📚Related Words
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