English · Word Candidate

lime

/laɪm/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: limes · limed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

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

Noun

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any gluey or adhesive substance that traps or captures; sometimes a synonym for birdlime.

Noun

Examples

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

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To treat with calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide (lime).

Verb

Examples

If I were you, I'd lime.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To smear with birdlime.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “lime” mean?

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

Is “lime” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.