neem

noun \ ˈnēm \

|Updated on: 3 Jul 2018

Definition of neem

: a large tropical Asian tree (Azadirachta indica) of the mahogany family having a bitter bark used as a tonic and leaves and seeds that have insecticidal and antiseptic properties and yield a medicinal aromatic oil

Recent Examples of neem from the Web

Tulasi shows me where neem and breadfruit trees once divided her land from the road, their disappearance depriving her crops of shade.

— tamar adler, Vogue, "The Young Farmers Behind Puerto Rico’s Food Revolution," 20 June 2018
To combat body odor, San Diego brand CeeCee & Bee Apothecary makes its Natural Deodorant Stick — Tea Tree and Lavender, which uses neem leaf (which is said to help repel mosquitoes too), coconut and castor oil.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "Heading to Coachella? Here are some packing tips," 7 Apr. 2018
There was neem and basil growing, chiles and mint, six kinds of eggplant, along with trees full of mangoes, bananas, papayas and jackfruit.

— tejal rao, New York Times, "A Garlicky Stir Fry With Basil Leaves From Bangkok," 25 Jan. 2018
Instead of applying a chemical to kill worms, Valle del Tarso uses a natural product from the Australian neem tree.

— syndicated columns, OregonLive.com, "The dirt on 'organic' food: you may be paying for fakes," 26 Dec. 2017
Instead of applying a chemical to kill worms, Valle del Tarso uses a natural product from the Australian neem tree.

— syndicated columns, OregonLive.com, "The dirt on 'organic' food: you may be paying for fakes," 26 Dec. 2017
Instead of applying a chemical to kill worms, Valle del Tarso uses a natural product from the Australian neem tree.

— syndicated columns, OregonLive.com, "The dirt on 'organic' food: you may be paying for fakes," 26 Dec. 2017
Insecticidal soap, narrow-range oil and neem oil applied at the correct time in the insect’s life cycle will kill them on contact and have a relatively low residual toxicity to natural enemies.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "What’s bugging his tree?," 22 Dec. 2017
Instead, Lopez takes a handful of herbal supplements including aforementioned turmeric, milk thistle, burdock root, and neem leaf.

— devon abelman, Allure, "This All-Natural Acne Skin-Care Routine Is Going Viral on Instagram," 13 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neem.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.