neem

noun

: 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

Examples of neem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To use neem oil for plants, dilute neem oil concentrate with water and add a bit of liquid soap to help to mix the water and oil. Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 10 July 2023 There’s also some evidence neem oil may be harmful to humans so use with care. oregonlive, 3 June 2023 One of the most effective sprays is neem oil, an extract from the tropical neem tree. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2023 Another potential benefit of neem is its antioxidant properties. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023 This shampoo is made with vegetable and coconut-based cleansers and conditioners along with zinc and neem. The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Oct. 2022 In addition to its insecticidal properties, neem oil is also a fungicide and has systemic benefits, meaning that some of the oil is absorbed by the plant, offering persistent protection. oregonlive, 8 Jan. 2023 Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and has insecticidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2022 Honey, neem oil, oatmeal, and coconut oil Dry skin and dirt coats have met their match! Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu nīm, from Sanskrit nimba

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neem was in 1813

Dictionary Entries Near neem

Cite this Entry

“Neem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neem. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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