Loam: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a soil that is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, making it ideal for plant growth.

• He prepared the garden bed with a layer of rich loam to ensure the vegetables grow well

Indicates the uppermost layer of soil, which is usually rich in organic matter and nutrients. Essential for gardening and lawn care.

• She bought bags of topsoil to spread over the flower beds in her garden

Describes fine soil particles that are intermediate in size between sand and clay. Commonly found in sediment at the bottom of bodies of water.

• The flooding river left a deposit of silt that enriched the farmland

Refers to a type of heavy soil that retains water well but can be difficult to work with due to its density. Often used in construction and pottery.

• The children used clay to make small pots during the art class

Commonly used in agriculture and gardening, loam refers to a type of fertile soil that is a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay. It's praised for its ability to drain well while retaining moisture and nutrients.

• The farmer chose a field with rich loam for planting his crops
• The garden flourished in the loam soil

Adobe is typically used in the context of traditional building techniques, particularly in arid regions. It refers to sun-dried bricks made from a mixture of mud, sand, clay, and straw.

• The old village was known for its adobe houses
• Adobe bricks are environmentally friendly and provide good insulation

Cob is often used in sustainable or natural building contexts. It denotes a construction material made from subsoil, water, fibrous organic material (usually straw), and sometimes lime.

• She built a cob cottage in the countryside
• Cob structures are known for their low cost and eco-friendliness

Mudbrick is used to describe bricks made from a mixture of mud and straw, which are dried in the sun. This term is particularly common in historical or archaeological discussions about ancient construction techniques.

• The ancient city was famous for its mudbrick walls
• Archaeologists discovered remnants of mudbrick buildings in the desert

Typically used in gardening and agriculture, 'loam' refers to a type of rich, fertile soil that is good for growing plants.

• The farmer used loam to improve his crop yield
• The garden thrived because the soil contained a lot of loam

Often used in everyday conversation, 'bury' means to put something into the ground and cover it with earth. This can refer to both objects and deceased beings.

• They had to bury the time capsule deep into the ground
• The dog loves to bury his bones in the backyard

Used in more formal or official contexts, especially in relation to funeral practices, 'inter' means to place a dead body into a grave or tomb.

• The soldier was interred with full military honors
• The family decided to inter their loved one in the local cemetery