lime

UK: laɪm | US: laɪm

Definition

  1. n. 1. A white caustic alkaline substance (calcium oxide) used in making cement or soil treatment.

  2. n. 2. A green citrus fruit with acidic juice, similar to a lemon.

  3. n. 3. A shade of light green resembling the color of the fruit.

Structure
lime <citrus fruit>lime <calcium oxide>
Etymology

The word "lime" has two distinct etymological paths:

  1. For the citrus fruit: Borrowed from Persian līmū (via Arabic līma), entering European languages through trade routes. The term originally referred to citrus fruits broadly.
  2. For the alkaline substance: Derived from Old English līm (meaning "birdlime" or "sticky material"), rooted in Proto-Germanic līmaz. Over time, it specialized to denote calcium oxide due to its adhesive use in mortar.
Examples

  1. The recipe calls for a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

  2. Farmers spread lime to neutralize acidic soil.

  3. She painted her kitchen walls in a cheerful lime green.

  4. Lime is essential in the production of quicklime for construction.

  5. The cocktail was garnished with a slice of lime.