peat

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈpēt 

plural peats

1

a

: a dark brown fibrous material that is formed primarily by the partial decomposition of organic matter and especially plants (such as sphagnum moss) in wet, oxygen-deficient areas (such as bogs or swamps) and that is harvested especially for use as a fuel for heating or cooking or as a soil amendment

Some boreal forests contain peat, which can slow fire—if it's wet. But if that peat is dry, it can burn underground and spread fires even farther.

—Caroline Mimbs Nyce

Behind the … houses was the bog: an immense, bronze-hued ocean of deep peat, stretching into the horizon.

—Tomas Weber

—sometimes used before another noun

Now, the continuing problems of sea rise, water pollution, salt-water intrusion and the erosion of peat soil that make up much of the marshland threaten to compound the historic damage from development.

—The Miami Herald

As a peat bog, it helps to play a vital role in tackling climate change by locking away carbon as well as helping to regulate flood flows for the local community.

—Jo Barnes

b

: peat moss

Dig a hole as deep as the plant's rootball and five times as wide. Amend the backfill soil with 50 percent peat …

—Jim McCausland

2

Scotland : a section or piece of dried peat for use as fuel : turf sense 4b

While not uncommon these days for peats to be cut by machine there are still many who cut in the traditional way, and lines of peat banks both abandoned and still in use can be seen in landscapes wherever peat is cut.

—Christine Smith

peaty

ˈpē-tē 

adjective

Peaty soils contain about 20-25% of organic matter whereas there is about 50-90% in true peats.

—J. A. R. Lockhart and A. J. L. Wiseman

peat

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a bold lively woman

Examples of peat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The research team turned to sphagnum peat bogs in the northeastern U.S., environments rich with competitive microbial species. —Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Judging Panel described the Ardbeg as showcasing: Smoky peat accompanied by subtle citrus and herbal undertones, vanilla, and caramel notes. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Away from Austin, Mike Collins supported a colleague at the Monte Verde archaeological site in Chile, which produced some amazing organic material as well as footprints preserved in peat. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Oct. 2024

The international team of scientists turned to microscopic pollen and spores found in the peat for answers. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English pete piece of peat, from Medieval Latin peta, probably of Celtic origin; akin to Cornish peyth bit, Welsh peth thing

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

1566, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing peat

• four-peat
• peat moss
• three-peat

Kids Definition

peat

noun

ˈpēt

: a dark brown or blackish material that is the remains of plants partly decayed in water and is sometimes dug up and dried for use as fuel