¹lime

noun \ˈlīm\

Definition of LIME

: birdlime

a : a caustic highly infusible solid that consists of calcium oxide often together with magnesium oxide, that is obtained by calcining forms of calcium carbonate (as shells or limestone), and that is used in building (as in mortar and plaster) and in agriculture —called also quicklime

b : a dry white powder consisting essentially of calcium hydroxide that is made by treating quicklime with water

c : calcium <carbonate of lime>

Origin of LIME

Middle English, from Old English līm; akin to Old High German līm birdlime, Latin limus mud, slime, and perhaps to Latin linere to smear

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

Rhymes with LIME

chime, climb, clime, crime, cyme, dime, disme, grime, mime, prime, rhyme, rime, slime, stime, thyme, time

²lime

verb

limedlim·ing

Definition of LIME

transitive verb

: to smear with a sticky substance (as birdlime)

: to entangle with or as if with birdlime

: to treat or cover with lime <lime the lawn in the spring>

First Known Use of LIME

13th century

³lime

adjective

Definition of LIME

: of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone

First Known Use of LIME

15th century

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

⁴lime

noun

Definition of LIME

: a linden tree; especially : linden 1a

Origin of LIME

alteration of Middle English lind, from Old English; akin to Old High German linta linden

First Known Use: 1625

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

⁵lime

noun

Definition of LIME

: the small globose yellowish green fruit of a widely cultivated spiny tropical Asian citrus tree (Citrus aurantifolia) with a usually acid juicy pulp used as a flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C

: a tree that bears limes