compost

Everyday

1. A dark, crumbly mixture made from rotted plant and food waste, used to feed the soil and help plants grow. tree →
2. (verb) To put waste such as peelings and leaves in a heap or bin so it rots into compost. tree →

In the lessons

In science, composting shows decomposition: worms, fungi and bacteria break down dead plants. In everyday life families keep a compost bin for fruit peel, tea bags and grass. It helps reduce rubbish (recycling). Phrases: «compost heap», «compost bin», «garden compost».

Examples

• We put apple cores in the compost bin. tree →
• Worms help turn waste into compost. tree →
• Gran digs compost into her vegetable beds. tree →
• Do not put meat or plastic in the compost. tree →
• The compost heap felt warm inside. tree →
• Our class started composting the fruit from snack time. tree →
• Compost makes the soil rich and dark. tree →

Note

Uncountable noun: «some compost», not «a compost». Stress: «COM-post». Rotting is slow; compost can take months. Wash your hands after touching compost.