chernozem

noun

cher·​no·​zem ˌcher-nə-ˈzem How to pronounce chernozem (audio)
-ˈzyȯm
: any of a group of dark-colored zonal soils with a deep rich humus horizon found in regions (such as the grasslands of central North America) of temperate to cool climate
chernozemic adjective

Word History

Etymology

Russian, from chërnyĭ black + zemlya earth

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chernozem was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near chernozem

Cite this Entry

“Chernozem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chernozem. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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