Meaning & Definition of word "Lemon"

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    Lemon

    /ˈlɛmən/

    noun:

    • 1. A yellow, oval citrus fruit with thick skin and tart pulp.
      • Example: She added a slice of lemon to her iced tea for extra flavor.
    • 2. A small tree (Citrus limon) that bears lemons.
      • Example: The lemon tree in their backyard was full of ripe fruit.
    • 3. An object, such as a vehicle, that is defective or unsatisfactory.
      • Example: After only a month of driving, he realized he had bought a lemon.

    verb:

    • 1. To fail or perform poorly in a particular situation.
      • Example: He really lemoned that presentation; it didn't go as planned.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'limon', from Arabic 'laymūn', ultimately from Persian 'līmū'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    when life gives you lemons:

    A phrase encouraging optimism in the face of adversity.

    lemon law:

    A law that provides remedies to buyers of faulty vehicles.

    lemon squeezy:

    Easy or simple, often used in the phrase 'easy peasy lemon squeezy'.

    Related Words

    lime:

    A green citrus fruit, similar in taste to a lemon but less sour.

    citrus:

    A genus of flowering trees and shrubs known for their juicy fruits.

    zest:

    The outer peel of citrus fruits, used for flavoring.

    Slang Meanings of lemon

    Meaning: A bad investment or poor-quality item.

    Example Sentence: I can't believe I wasted money on that phone; it's a total lemon.

    Meaning: Someone who is clumsy or prone to making mistakes.

    Example Sentence: He's such a lemon; he always trips over nothing.