lemon
lemon [lemon lemons] noun, adjective [ˈlemən] [ˈlemən]
noun
1. countable, uncountable a yellow citrus fruit with a lot of sour juice. Slices of lemon and lemon juice are used in cooking and drinks
• lemon tea
• a gin and tonic with ice and lemon
• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the fish.
• a lemon tree
2. uncountable lemon juice or a drink made from lemon
see also bitter lemon
3. (also ˌlemon ˈyellow) uncountable a pale yellow colour
4. countable (informal, especially NAmE) a thing that is useless because it does not work as it should
Syn: dud
5. countable (BrE) a stupid person
Word Origin:
Middle English: via Old French limon (in modern French denoting a lime) from Arabic līmūn (a collective term for fruits of this kind); compare with lime (the fruit).
Example Bank:
• Garnish the fish with wedges of lemon.
• Squeeze a quarter of a lemon over the fish.
Syn: idiot
adjective (also ˌlemon ˈyellow)
pale yellow in colour
Word Origin:
Middle English: via Old French limon (in modern French denoting a lime) from Arabic līmūn (a collective term for fruits of this kind); compare with lime (the fruit).