lime

1. a white caustic alkaline substance consisting of calcium oxide, which is obtained by heating limestone and which combines with water with the production of much heat; quicklime.
2. birdlime.

1. treat (soil or water) with lime to reduce acidity and improve fertility or oxygen levels.

   they were liming acidified lakes

2. give (wood, especially oak) a bleached appearance by treating it with lime.

   the oak had to be limed, then waxed, and then brushed to get that particular effect

3. catch (a bird) with birdlime.

   the bird that hath been limed in a bush

Old English līm, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch lijm, German Leim, also to loam.

1. a rounded citrus fruit similar to a lemon but greener, smaller, and with a distinctive acid flavour.

   roughly chop two limes

   wedges of lime

   lime juice

2. the evergreen citrus tree which produces limes, widely cultivated in warm climates.
3. a bright light green colour like that of a lime.

   a lime-green bikini

mid 17th century: from French, from modern Provençal limo, Spanish lima, from Arabic līma ; compare with lemon.

noun

a deciduous tree with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellowish blossom, native to north temperate regions. The pale timber is used for carving and inexpensive furniture.

early 17th century: alteration of obsolete line, from Old English lind (see linden).

1. sit or stand around talking with others.

   boys and girls were liming along the roadside as if they didn't have anything to do

noun

an informal social gathering characterized by semi-ritualized talking.

origin uncertain; said to be from Limey (because of the number of British sailors present during the Second World War), or from suck a lime, expressing bitterness at not being invited to a gathering.