Meaning & Definition of word "Guano"

Guano

/ˈɡwɑːnoʊ/

noun:

  • 1. Excrement of seabirds and bats, used as fertilizer due to its high nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium content.
    • Example: The farmers used guano to enrich the soil in their vegetable garden.
  • 2. A type of fertilizer derived from the accumulated excrement of seabirds and bats.
    • Example: After testing the soil, they decided that guano would be the best organic fertilizer for their crops.
  • 3. The mining and trade of guano, particularly in the 19th century.
    • Example: Many countries competed for control over guano-rich islands during the guano boom.
  • 4. An important agricultural resource, especially in coastal regions.
    • Example: Guano has been historically significant for its contribution to agriculture in arid regions.

Etymology

Spanish 'guano', derived from the Quechua word 'wanu'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

guano economy:

An economic system or condition reliant on exports of guano.

to hit the guano:

To be put in a disastrous situation.

Related Words

manure:

Animal dung used for fertilizing land.

fertilizer:

A chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility.

Slang Meanings of guano

Meaning: A term used to refer humorously to something worthless or undesirable.

Example Sentence: This project is just guano; it's going nowhere.

Meaning: Used to describe a situation that is very messy or chaotic.

Example Sentence: After the party, my place looked like guano.