Collins English-English Dictionary

soil [sɔɪl]

1. 1. n the top layer of the land surface of the earth that is composed of disintegrated rock particles, humus, water, and air - See zonal soil azonal soil intrazonal soil horizon

2. 2. n a type of this material having specific characteristics

   loamy soil

3. 3. n land, country, or region

   one's native soil

4. 4. n any place or thing encouraging growth or development

5. 5. n [Etymology] C14: from Anglo-Norman, from Latin solium a seat, but confused with Latin solum the ground

soil [sɔɪl]

1. 1. vb to make or become dirty or stained

2. 2. vt. [tr] to pollute with sin or disgrace; sully; defile

   he soiled the family honour by his cowardice

3. 3. n the state or result of soiling

4. 4. n refuse, manure, or excrement

5. 5. n [Etymology] C13: from Old French soillier to defile, from soil pigsty, probably from Latin sus a swine

soil [sɔɪl]

1. 1. vt. [tr] to feed (livestock) freshly cut green fodder either to fatten or purge them

2. 2. vt. [Etymology] C17: perhaps from obsolete vb (C16) soil to manure, from soil² (n)