Word: Lime

Pronunciation

/laɪm/

Definitions

Noun (n)

1. A small, green citrus fruit with a sour taste, often used in cooking and for its juice. Example: “She added a squeeze of lime to her cocktail for a tangy flavor.”
2. The hard, white, and usually calcium-based substance obtained from limestone, used in the construction industry for mortar and cement, and also as a soil conditioner. Example: “The builder spread lime on the ground to improve soil pH.”
3. The greenish-yellow color reminiscent of the fruit. Example: “She painted the walls a vibrant lime color.”

Verb (v)

1. To treat or cover with lime, especially as a fertilizer or to reduce acidity in soil. Example: “Farmers limed their fields to neutralize the soil’s acidity.”
2. To sprinkle or mix with lime, especially in reference to food or drinks. Example: “He limed his fish before grilling it to enhance the flavor.”

Phrases

• “Take a lime” - colloquially, this may refer to adding a slice of lime to a drink.
• “Lime tree” - a tree that bears limes.
• “Line and lime” - in historical contexts, this refers to a method of treating wooden ships with a mixture of tar and lime to protect them against rot.

Example Sentences

• Noun (fruit): “Squeeze a fresh lime over the tacos to give them a zesty kick.”
• Noun (substance): “Historically, builders would use quicklime to set foundations and walls.”
• Verb: “To prevent scurvy on long sea voyages, sailors would lime their water to make it potable.”

Synonyms

• Lemon (for the fruit, but less sour)
• Calcium hydroxide (for the building material)
• Citrus aurantifolia (the botanical name for the fruit-bearing tree)