lime

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 (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

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

lime

verb

Definition of lime

limed; liming

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

First Known Use of lime

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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lime

adjective

Definition of lime

: of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone

First Known Use of lime

15th century

in the meaning defined above

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Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

lime

noun

Definition of lime

: a linden tree; especially : linden 1a

Origin and Etymology of lime

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1625

in the meaning defined above

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Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

lime

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 and Etymology of lime

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1583

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

LIME Defined for Kids

lime

noun \ ˈlīm \

Definition of lime for Students

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

lime

noun

Definition of lime for Students

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

lime

verb

Definition of lime for Students

limed; liming

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

Medical Dictionary

lime

noun \ ˈlīm \

medical Definition of lime

: a caustic powdery white highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesia — called also quicklime; see limewater

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lime

adjective

lime

noun

medical Definition of lime

: 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