The word "lemon" is spelled with five letters - L-E-M-O-N. The initial sound in "lemon" is /l/, which is pronounced by placing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge and exhaling air. The next sound is /ɛ/, which is pronounced by opening the mouth slightly and positioning the tongue mid-mouth. The following sound is /m/, pronounced by closing both lips and exhaling air through the nasal cavity. The final sound is /ɑn/, pronounced by opening the mouth wide and positioning the tongue low and flat.
A lemon is a small, oval-shaped citrus fruit that has a bright yellow rind and a tart, acidic taste. The lemon is botanically classified as Citrus limon and belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is widely cultivated for its juice, which is commonly used in cooking, beverages, and as a flavoring agent. The fruit itself is typically sour, but its flavor can range from mildly acidic to extremely tangy, depending on the variety.
Lemons are prized for their high levels of vitamin C and are often consumed to boost immune function and improve overall health. They are also a good source of antioxidants and electrolytes, such as potassium. The juice, extracted by squeezing or using a citrus juicer, is commonly added to various recipes, including salad dressings, marinades, desserts, and beverages.
Beyond culinary uses, lemons have several practical applications. The acidic nature of the juice makes it an effective natural cleaning agent, capable of removing stains, disinfecting surfaces, and neutralizing odors. Additionally, lemon oil, extracted from the peel, is often utilized in aromatherapy, cleaning products, and cosmetics due to its refreshing scent and antimicrobial properties.
In a figurative sense, the term "lemon" is also used to describe something that is defective, flawed, or of poor quality, particularly when referring to a vehicle that constantly requires repairs. This usage likely stems from the notion that a faulty car may resemble a beautiful lemon, but it is ultimately sour and unsatisfactory.
The fruit of Citrus limonum; see limo.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A well-known acid fruit of the orange kind.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lemon" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old French word "limon", which was derived from the Arabic word "laymūn" or "līmūn". The Arabic word was used to refer to citrus fruits in general, and it is believed to have been borrowed from the Persian word "līmū".
The Persian word "līmū" likely came from the Sanskrit word "nimbu" or "nimbuka", which specifically referred to a variety of citrus fruits. This Sanskrit term might have been influenced by the Dravidian word "elumiccai" or "elumiccai", which also meant citrus.
Over time, as various languages borrowed and adapted the term, "lemon" became the commonly used word in English to refer to the citrus fruit known for its acidic taste and yellow color.