Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Humus \Hu"mus\, n. [L., the earth, ground, soil.]
   That portion of the soil formed by the decomposition of
   animal or vegetable matter. It is a valuable constituent of
   soils. --Graham.

Source : WordNet®

humus
     n 1: partially decomposed organic matter; the organic component
          of soil
     2: a thick spread made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon
        juice and garlic; used especially as a dip for pita;
        originated in the Middle East [syn: {hummus}, {hommos}, {hoummos},
         {humous}]