a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
"The chemist added lime to the mixture as a strong base to neutralize the acid."
a white crystalline oxide used in the production of calcium hydroxide
"The chemist mixed lime with water to produce calcium hydroxide for treating the soil."
any of various related trees bearing limes
"The gardener pruned the lime tree to encourage more fruit production next summer."
any of various deciduous trees of the genus Tilia with heart-shaped leaves and drooping cymose clusters of yellowish often fragrant flowers; several yield valuable timber
"The ancient lime tree in the park bears heart-shaped leaves and delicate yellowish flowers that fill the air with a sweet scent."
the green acidic fruit of any of various lime trees
"She squeezed fresh lime over the fish to add a zesty, tangy flavor."
Any inorganic material containing calcium, usually calcium oxide (quicklime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).
"The old sailor referred to his dog's lime as he walked it along the pier."
A deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, especially Tilia × europaea; the linden tree.
Any of several green citrus fruit, somewhat smaller and sharper-tasting than a lemon.
Alternative form of lyam (a leash)
In plain English: A lime is a small, green citrus fruit that tastes very sour and tangy when you eat it.
"She squeezed half a lime into her glass to flavor the water."
Usage: Use "lime" to refer specifically to the small, sharp green citrus fruit rather than its yellow counterpart, the lemon. Avoid confusing this noun with the verb form meaning to socialize casually or with chemical compounds containing calcium.
To treat with calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide (lime).
"We decided to lime by the pool all afternoon, chatting and laughing without any plans or schedules."
To hang out/socialize in an informal, relaxed environment, especially with friends, for example at a party or on the beach.
In plain English: To lime something is to cover it with a white liquid made from burnt limestone that hardens when dry and kills bacteria or insects on surfaces like wood, fences, or fruit trees.
"He decided to lime his old fence before painting it white."
Containing lime or lime juice.
"The fresh guacamole was made extra tangy by adding a generous squeeze of lime juice."
In plain English: Lime describes something that is bright and fresh green, often with yellow hints.
"She added a squeeze of lime to her cocktail for extra flavor."
The word lime comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂leyH-, meaning "to smear." It traveled into English through Middle and Old English to refer originally to a sticky substance used as glue.