neem
neem Lexical Profile
neem Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fast-growing tropical evergreen tree (Azadirachta indica) in the mahogany family Meliaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent and widely cultivated in arid and tropical regions for its shade, timber, and bitter medicinal bark, leaves, and seed oil.
"The farmers planted rows of neem along the perimeter of their fields to provide shade and natural pest control."
The smooth, olive-like, yellowish-green drupe produced by the neem tree, having a sweetish pulp surrounding a bitter seed that is pressed for oil or eaten in regional South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines.
"When fully ripe, the yellow neem is gathered from beneath the canopy so its seeds can be pressed for oil."
The bitter young shoots, leaves, and flowers of the neem tree when prepared and eaten as a traditional culinary vegetable or seasonal dish in parts of India and Southeast Asia.
"During the spring festival, the family prepared a traditional dish featuring lightly fried neem and eggplant."
• Rhymes for neem
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 19th century from Hindi and Urdu 'nīm', which ultimately derives from the Sanskrit word 'nimba', referring to the tree and its revered medicinal properties in ancient Indian texts.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.