HUMUS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does humus mean? 

• HUMUS (noun)
  The noun HUMUS has 2 senses:

1. partially decomposed organic matter; the organic component of soil

2. a thick spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic; used especially as a dip for pita; originated in the Middle East

  Familiarity information: HUMUS used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HUMUS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Partially decomposed organic matter; the organic component of soil

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Hypernyms ("humus" is a kind of...):

dirt; soil (the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock)

Holonyms ("humus" is a substance of...):

A-horizon; A horizon (the top layer of a soil profile; usually contains humus)

Derivation:

humic (of or relating to or derived from humus)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A thick spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic; used especially as a dip for pita; originated in the Middle East

Classified under:

Nouns denoting foods and drinks

Synonyms:

hommos; hoummos; hummus; humous; humus

Hypernyms ("humus" is a kind of...):

paste; spread (a tasty mixture to be spread on bread or crackers or used in preparing other dishes)