First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1lime
noun \ˈlīm\
Definition of LIME
1
: birdlime
2
a : a caustic highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesium oxide, that is obtained by calcining forms of calcium carbonate (as shells or limestone), and that is used in building (as in mortar and plaster) and in agriculture —called also quicklime b : a dry white powder consisting essentially of calcium hydroxide that is made by treating quicklime with water c : calcium <carbonate of lime>
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Origin of LIME
Middle English, from Old English līm; akin to Old High German līm birdlime, Latin limus mud, slime, and perhaps to Latin linere to smear
2lime
verb
limedlim·ing
Definition of LIME
transitive verb
1
: to smear with a sticky substance (as birdlime)
2
: to entangle with or as if with birdlime
3
: to treat or cover with lime <lime the lawn in the spring>
First Known Use of LIME
13th century
3lime
adjective
Definition of LIME
: of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone
First Known Use of LIME
15th century
Other Geology Terms
4lime
noun
Definition of LIME
: a linden tree; especially : linden 1a
Origin of LIME
alteration of Middle English lind, from Old English; akin to Old High German linta linden
First Known Use: 1625
5lime
noun
Definition of LIME
1
: the small globose yellowish green fruit of a widely cultivated spiny tropical Asian citrus tree (Citrus aurantifolia) with a usually acid juicy pulp used as a flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C
2
: a tree that bears limes
Origin of LIME
Middle French, from Spanish lima, from Arabic līma, līm
First Known Use: 1583
LIMES Defined for Kids
1lime
noun \ˈlīm\
Definition of LIME for Kids
: a small greenish yellow fruit that is related to the lemon and orange
2lime
noun
Definition of LIME for Kids
: a white substance made by heating limestone or shells and used in making plaster and cement and in farming
3lime
verb
limedlim·ing
Definition of LIME for Kids
: to treat or cover with a white substance made from limestone or shells <We spent the afternoon liming the garden.>
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