Limed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🟡
limed
[laɪmd ]
Definition
use of lime
To limed refers to the process of applying lime to soil or other materials for various agricultural or industrial purposes. It can also denote the act of treating something with lime to render it less acidic or to alter its chemical properties.
Synonyms
lime, neutralize, treat.
Examples of usage
- Farmers often limed their fields to improve soil quality.
- The contractor limed the foundation to prevent moisture issues.
- Liming the lake helped reduce the acidity caused by pollution.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Agriculture
- Farmers apply lime to acidic soil to increase its alkalinity, which helps in crop growth.
- Lime can provide essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium to the soil, benefiting plant health.
- It's often used to improve the quality of soils in gardens, orchards, and vineyards.
Construction & Preservation
- In construction, lime is used in mortars and plasters, dating back to Roman architecture.
- Lime helps preserve materials; for example, buildings are often treated with lime to protect them from weathering.
- The process of 'liming' wood helps prevent decay and insect damage.
Culinary Uses
- In culinary contexts, lime can also refer to flavoring ingredients in dishes, giving both taste and accent in cooking.
- Traditionally, lime juice is often used in marinades and cocktails, showing the dual meaning of 'limed' in different contexts.
Environmental Science
- Liming is used in environmental remediation to help restore the pH balance of contaminated soils.
- It's a technique in controlling water acidity in lakes and streams, which is vital for aquatic life.
- Adjusting the soil pH through liming can enhance carbon sequestration, benefiting climate change efforts.
Origin of 'limed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'lime' comes from the Old French 'lime' and Latin 'calx', meaning 'lime-stone' or 'limestone'.
- The use of lime dates back to ancient times, where it was used in construction and agriculture.
- The term 'limed' reflects both the action of applying lime and the result, as it can alter the properties of the material treated.
The word 'limed' comes from 'lime', which originates from the Old French word 'lim' or 'lime', meaning limestone, and is derived from Latin 'calx' or 'calcis', meaning lime, a white alkaline earth. Lime has been used since ancient times, dating back to the Egyptians who utilized lime in mortars and plasters. The application of lime in agriculture has been noted for centuries as it helps to improve soil quality by reducing acidity and providing essential calcium to crops. Over time, liming practices have evolved and expanded into various fields, including construction, where lime is used for its binding properties in mortar and as a stabilizing agent in clay soils. The verb 'to lime' thus takes on multiple meanings depending on the context, reflecting its significance in environmental management, agriculture, and construction.