mulch
UK[mʌltʃ]US[mʌltʃ]
n
A material (such as decaying leaves, bark, or compost) spread around or over a plant to enrich or insulate the soil.
v
To cover (soil or the ground around a plant) with mulch.
Etymology
The word 'mulch' has a soft and earthy origin, fitting for its function. It entered English in the mid-17th century, likely from the now-obsolete Middle English adjective 'molsh', meaning soft or moist. This earlier term is thought to be related to the Old English 'melsc' or 'milisc', meaning mellow. The semantic journey is direct and sensory: from describing a soft, moist, or mellow condition, the noun came to specifically denote the layer of soft, often decaying organic material laid upon soil to retain moisture and suppress weeds, a meaning that has remained consistent in horticulture.
Analysis
The word 'mulch' is a simplex word. It likely derives from the Middle English term 'molsh', meaning 'soft' or 'moist', which itself may be related to the Old English word 'melsc' or 'milisc', meaning 'mellow'.
Examples
A thick layer of bark mulch helps retain moisture in the garden beds.
It's a good idea to mulch your trees before the dry season begins.
The rich, dark mulch improved the quality of the soil over time.