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

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Cite this Entry

“Chernozem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chernozem. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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