soil
UK[sɔɪl]US[sɔɪl]
n
The top layer of the earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.
v
To make something dirty, especially on the surface.
Etymology
The word 'soil' has a complex and somewhat obscure etymological journey. Its primary noun sense, meaning 'the ground or earth', entered Middle English from Anglo-Norman French 'soyl', which in turn came from Latin 'solium', meaning 'seat' or 'throne', but also influenced by Latin 'solum', meaning 'ground' or 'base'. The verb 'to soil', meaning 'to make dirty', has a separate origin, coming from Old French 'soillier' ('to wallow, to make dirty'), which is likely from a Vulgar Latin root related to the Latin 'sus', meaning 'pig'. Over time, these two distinct strands converged in form and became associated with the concept of earth and dirt, leading to the modern dual meanings of the substance plants grow in and the act of making something unclean.
Analysis
The modern English word 'soil' is a simplex word derived from a single root. It is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in contemporary English.
Examples
The rich, dark soil in the valley is perfect for growing vegetables.
Be careful not to soil your new white shirt while gardening.
Environmental scientists study the composition and health of the soil.