[lime] n [ME, fr. OE lim; akin to OHG lim birdlime, L limus mud, slime, and perh. to L linere to smear] (bef. 12c) 1: birdlime
2. 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 ~"
[2]lime vt limed ; lim.ing (13c) 1: to smear with a sticky substance (as birdlime)
2: to entangle with or as if with birdlime
3: to treat or cover with lime "~ the lawn in the spring" [3]lime adj (15c): of, relating to, or containing lime or limestone [4]lime n [alter. of ME lind, fr. OE; akin to OHG linta linden] (1625): linden 1a [5]lime n [F, fr. Sp lima, fr. Ar lima, lim] (1638) 1: the small globose yellowish green fruit of a lime with an acid juicy pulp used as a flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C
2: a spiny tropical citrus tree (Citrus aurantifolia) with elliptical oblong narrowly winged leaves