soil1
n.
- the upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.
- the territory of a particular nation.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., perh. representing L. solium ‘seat’, by assoc. with solum ‘ground’.
soil2
v.
- make dirty.
▸make dirty by defecating in or on.
- bring discredit to.
n.
- waste matter, especially sewage.
- archaic a stain.
Etymology
ME (as v.): from OFr. soiller, based on L. sucula, dimin. of sus ‘pig’.
soil3
v.
rare feed (cattle) on fresh-cut green fodder (originally for purging them).
Etymology
C17: perh. from soil2.