lime

noun (1)

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\ ˈlīm

Definition of lime

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : birdlime

2a : a caustic highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesium oxide, that is obtained by calcining forms of calcium carbonate (such 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

lime

verb

limed; liming

Definition of lime (Entry 2 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to smear with a sticky substance (such as birdlime)

2 : to entangle with or as if with birdlime

3 : to treat or cover with lime lime the lawn in the spring

lime

adjective

Definition of lime (Entry 3 of 5)

: of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone

lime

noun (2)

Definition of lime (Entry 4 of 5)

: a linden tree especially : linden sense 1a

lime

noun (3)

Definition of lime (Entry 5 of 5)

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

First Known Use of lime

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1625, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for lime

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English līm; akin to Old High German līm birdlime, Latin limus mud, slime, and perhaps to Latin linere to smear

Noun (2)

alteration of Middle English lind, from Old English; akin to Old High German linta linden

Noun (3)

Middle French, from Spanish lima, from Arabic līma, līm

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Cite this Entry

“Lime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lime. Accessed 23 Jul. 2021.

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More Definitions for lime

lime

noun

\ ˈlīm

Kids Definition of lime

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a small greenish yellow fruit that is related to the lemon and orange

lime

noun

Kids Definition of lime (Entry 2 of 3)

: a white substance made by heating limestone or shells and used in making plaster and cement and in farming

lime

verb

limed; liming

Kids Definition of lime (Entry 3 of 3)

: to treat or cover with a white substance made from limestone or shells We spent the afternoon liming the garden.

lime

noun

\ ˈlīm

Medical Definition of lime

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a caustic powdery white highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesia

— called also quicklime

— see limewater

lime

noun

Medical Definition of lime (Entry 2 of 2)

: the small globose yellowish green fruit of a spiny tropical tree of the genus Citrus (C. aurantifolia) that has a usually acid juicy pulp used as a flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C also : a tree that bears limes