Lime

/laɪm/ · noun

Meaning

(chemistry) Any inorganic material containing calcium, usually calcium oxide (quicklime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (chemistry) Any inorganic material containing calcium, usually calcium oxide (quicklime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).
2. (poetic) Any gluey or adhesive substance that traps or captures; sometimes a synonym for birdlime.
3. (theater) A limelight; any spotlight.
4. (transitive) To treat with calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide (lime).
5. (transitive) To smear with birdlime.
6. (transitive) To apply limewash.
7. A deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, especially Tilia × europaea; the linden tree.
8. The wood of this tree.

Example Sentences

Lime, which is the product of the burning of chalk or limestone, might be bought ready burnt, or it could be burnt in kilns specially constructed in the neighbourhood of the building operations.

Monster, come, put some lime upon your fingers, and away with the rest.

Like the lime which foolish birds are caught with.

Sellers moved on until he was actually trusted to operate the limes, the spotlights that can make or destroy an artist's act.

Then out of the blue, a spotlight much like the “limes” in a theatre, lit up what seemed like a Punch and Judy tent […] He struggled even more, when from out of the shadows and into the bright light of the limes, stepped Uncle Jolly.

If I were you, I'd lime.

The linden or lime tree is the favourite haunt of the Elves and cognate beings; and it is not safe to be near it after sunset.

But there was nothing of an ascetic's expression in her bright full eyes, as she looked before her, not consciously seeing, but absorbing into the intensity of her mood, the solemn glory of the afternoon with its long swathes of light between the far-off rows of limes, whose shadows touched each other.

Synonyms for lime

Antonyms for lime

Related Words

Word Forms

• limes
• liming
• limed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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