Definition of mulch

< mulberry

mulct >

mulch    (mlch) KEY 

NOUN:

A protective covering, usually of organic matter such as leaves, straw, or peat, placed around plants to prevent the evaporation of moisture, the freezing of roots, and the growth of weeds.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
mulched, mulch·ing, mulch·es

To cover or surround with mulch.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Probably from Middle English melsche, molsh, soft, from Old English melsc, mellow, mild; see mel-¹ in Indo-European roots