Manure: meaning, definitions and examples

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manure

[məˈnjʊər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fertilizer

Manure is organic matter, mostly animal waste, used as a fertilizer for plants. It is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which help plants grow.

Synonyms

compost, dung, fertilizer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
manure	Manure is animal waste used to enrich soil. It's commonly used in traditional and organic farming. Farmers spread manure on the fields before planting crops. The smell of manure filled the air on the farm.
fertilizer	Fertilizer is a broad term that includes both organic and chemical substances added to soil to supply nutrients for plant growth. The gardener used a high-nitrogen fertilizer to boost plant growth. Chemical fertilizers can harm the environment if used excessively.
dung	Dung is animal feces, typically from large animals like cows and horses. It can be used similarly to manure but often has a more negative connotation. The barn was cleaned daily to remove the dung. Dung beetles thrive in environments with ample animal waste.
compost	Compost is decomposed organic material like food scraps and yard waste. It's used in gardening to improve soil quality. She added kitchen scraps to the compost bin. The rich compost helped the garden thrive.

Examples of usage

Farmers spread manure on their fields to improve soil fertility.
Gardeners often use manure to nourish their plants.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

animal waste

Manure refers to the excrement of animals, which can be used as a fertilizer. It is a natural byproduct of livestock farming and contains valuable nutrients for plants.

Synonyms

droppings, dung, excrement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
manure	Typically used in an agricultural or gardening context when referring to animal waste used to fertilize soil. Farmers often spread manure on their fields to enrich the soil. Organic gardening enthusiasts prefer manure over chemical fertilizers.
dung	Used similarly to 'manure,' often referring to animal waste in a natural or agricultural setting, but sometimes viewed as a bit more blunt or less formal. Elephant dung is often found in large quantities in their natural habitats. Many ancient civilizations used animal dung as a building material.
droppings	Commonly used in reference to the waste of smaller animals or birds, often in a casual or non-technical context. The ground was covered with bird droppings after the flock flew away. You need to clean up the droppings from the cage regularly if you have a pet bird.
excrement	A more scientific or medical term for waste products produced by living organisms. Often used in formal or technical contexts. The medical team examined the patient's excrement for signs of infection. Animal excrement can tell veterinarians a lot about an animal's health.

Examples of usage

The barnyard was filled with the smell of fresh manure.
Collecting manure from the stables is part of the daily chores on the farm.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin term 'manu operari,' meaning 'to work by hand,' reflecting its agricultural use.
Its earliest known use in English dates back to the 14th century, showcasing its long-standing role in farming.

Agriculture

Around 30% of farm fertilizer comes from animal manure, highlighting its importance in sustainable farming.
Using manure can help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, which can harm the environment.
Different animals produce different types of manure, like cow dung vs. chicken litter, each with its own benefits for soil health.

Environmental Science

When used properly, manure can improve soil structure, water retention, and overall fertility.
However, improper use can lead to pollution and harmful runoff into waterways, stressing the importance of responsible application.

History

In ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Romans, animal waste was a key resource for fertilizing crops.
Farmers have been using manure for thousands of years, indicating its enduring significance in agriculture.

Cultural References

In some cultures, particularly in rural areas, manure is not only used for farming but also as a building material for houses.
Manure is featured in various folk traditions, often celebrated for its role in producing healthy crops.

Translations

Translations of the word "manure" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esterco

🇮🇳 खाद

🇩🇪 Dünger

🇮🇩 pupuk

🇺🇦 гній

🇵🇱 nawóz

🇯🇵 肥料 (ひりょう)

🇫🇷 fumier

🇪🇸 estiércol

🇹🇷 gübre

🇰🇷 비료 (biryo)

🇸🇦 سماد

🇨🇿 hnůj

🇸🇰 hnoj

🇨🇳 肥料 (féiliào)

🇸🇮 gnoj

🇮🇸 áburður

🇰🇿 тыңайтқыш

🇬🇪 წამალია

🇦🇿 gübrə

🇲🇽 estiércol

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,257 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6254 nuts
6255 relaxed
6256 traditionally
6257 manure
6258 potato
6259 simplest
6260 negotiate
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