The spelling of the word "humic" is derived from the word "humus." The correct pronunciation, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /ˈhjuːmɪk/. The first sound, /h/, is a voiceless glottal fricative; the second, /j/, is a voiced palatal approximant; the third, /uː/, is a long vowel sound, and the fourth, /m/, is a bilabial nasal sound. The final sound, /ɪk/, is pronounced as "ick." Overall, the word "humic" is spelled to match its root word "humus," and pronounced accordingly.
Humic is an adjective used to describe something that is related to or derived from humus, a dark, organic component of soil resulting from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. Humus is an essential nutrient-rich substrate that plays a crucial role in supporting and nourishing plant growth. It is characterized by its dark brown to black color and its ability to retain water and essential nutrients, making it valuable for agriculture and gardening.
When referring to humic substances or humic acid, "humic" describes the complex compounds formed during the decomposition process of organic matter. These compounds are relatively large molecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Humic substances are known for their various benefits in soil and plant health, including improving the retention and availability of important nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, enhancing soil structure and drainage, increasing water-holding capacity, and promoting microbial activity.
In addition to its significance in agriculture and horticulture, humic acid is also utilized in various applications such as wastewater treatment, as a soil conditioner, in the production of fertilizers, and even in the medical field for detoxification purposes.
Overall, the term "humic" pertains to substances, compounds, or characteristics associated with the organic matter that forms humus, playing a vital role in supporting the health and productivity of soil, plants, and ecosystems.
Applied to an acid produced from the decomposition of mould by an alkali.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "humic" comes from the Latin word "humus", which means "earth" or "soil". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰéǵʰōm, which also means "earth" or "ground". The term "humic" is often used to describe organic substances or compounds found in soil, such as humus.