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Lime: meaning, definitions and examples

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lime

 

[ laɪm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

fruit type

Lime is a citrus fruit that is typically round, green in color, and about 3 to 6 centimeters in diameter. It's known for its acidic, tangy flavor, which is often used in various culinary dishes, beverages, and cocktails. Limes are rich in vitamin C and are commonly used to enhance the flavor of foods or drinks. They can be found in many varieties, including Persian and Key limes, each with unique characteristics.

Synonyms

citrus, fruit

Examples of usage

  • I added lime juice to the guacamole.
  • The cocktail was garnished with a slice of lime.
  • Limes are essential for making mojitos.
Context #2 | Noun

color shade

Lime can also refer to a bright green color that is reminiscent of the hue of the lime fruit. This vibrant shade is often associated with freshness and vitality and is commonly used in design, fashion, and art. The term can also describe various products that are colored in this shade.

Synonyms

chartreuse, green

Examples of usage

  • She wore a lime green dress to the party.
  • The room was painted in a lime shade.
  • The logo featured a bright lime color.
Context #3 | Verb

to treat soil

To lime means to apply lime to soil in order to reduce its acidity and improve its fertility. This agricultural practice helps to enhance soil structure and nutrient availability, making it more suitable for growing crops. The process involves spreading lime in powder or pellet form over the soil surface.

Synonyms

amend, treat

Examples of usage

  • Farmers often lime their fields before planting.
  • Lime can improve the growth of certain plants.
  • It's important to lime acidic soil for better yields.

Translations

Translations of the word "lime" in other languages:

🇵🇹 limão

🇮🇳 नींबू

🇩🇪 Limette

🇮🇩 jeruk nipis

🇺🇦 лайм

🇵🇱 limonka

🇯🇵 ライム

🇫🇷 citron vert

🇪🇸 limón

🇹🇷 lime

🇰🇷 라임

🇸🇦 ليمون

🇨🇿 limetka

🇸🇰 limetka

🇨🇳 青柠

🇸🇮 lima

🇮🇸 líma

🇰🇿 лайм

🇬🇪 ლაიმი

🇦🇿 lime

🇲🇽 limón

Etymology

The word 'lime' comes from the Middle English term 'lyme', which derives from the Old French 'limon', meaning lemon. It has roots in the Arabic word 'lima', which referred to citrus fruits. The usage of the term 'lime' to identify the green citrus fruit gained popularity in the late 15th century with the introduction of the fruit to Europe from Southeast Asia. It played a crucial role in maritime history as the fruit was found to be effective in preventing scurvy among sailors, due to its high vitamin C content. Over the centuries, limes have become a staple in various cuisines around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,723, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.