Lemon

Definition

Lemon is a noun that refers to a yellow citrus fruit produced by the lemon tree (Citrus limon), characterized by its sour taste and high acidity. It is also used metaphorically to describe something, especially a product, that is defective or unsatisfactory.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɛmən/
• Respelling: LEM-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlɛmən/
• Respelling: LEM-uhn

Etymology

The word "lemon" originates from the Arabic "laymūn" and Persian "limun," meaning "citrus fruit," which were adopted into Old French as "limon" before entering English in the late Middle Ages.

Derivatives

• Lemonade (noun)
• Lemony (adjective)
• Lemonwood (noun)
• Lemon-scented (adjective)
• Lemon-like (adjective)

Synonyms

• Citrus
• Lime (closely related fruit)
• Sour fruit

Antonyms

• Sweet fruit
• None
• None

Usage

The term "lemon" is commonly used to refer to the fruit in culinary and botanical contexts, such as "The recipe calls for fresh lemon juice." It is also used idiomatically to describe a defective item, as in "The car turned out to be a lemon."

Related Terms

• Orange: Another citrus fruit with a sweeter flavor.
• Grapefruit: A larger citrus fruit with a bittersweet taste.
• Lime: A smaller, green citrus fruit related to lemons.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A yellow citrus fruit with a sour taste: Refers to the edible fruit of the lemon tree.
  • Example: "She squeezed a lemon to make lemonade."
• A tree that produces lemons: Refers to the plant species Citrus limon.
  • Example: "The lemon tree is thriving in the garden."
• A defective or unsatisfactory item: Used metaphorically to describe something faulty.
  • Example: "The old computer he bought was a lemon."