sierozem

noun

si·​er·​o·​zem

sē¦erə¦zem

variants or serozem

¦ser-

plural -s

: any of a group of zonal soils that are brownish gray at the surface and lighter colored below, based in a carbonate layer or a hardpan layer, and characteristic of temperate to cool arid regions with mixed shrub vegetation

Word History

Etymology

Russian serozem, from seryĭ gray + zemlya earth; akin to Lithuanian žemė earth, Latin humus

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now