Definition

Noun: 1. A large semi-evergreen tree native to South Asia and the Indian subcontinent: It is a tree known for its drought resistance and wide range of traditional medicinal and agricultural uses. The tree is characterized by a straight trunk, spreading branches, and compound leaves. 2. A source of various useful products: The tree produces a tenacious gum from its trunk, has a bitter bark used in traditional medicine, and bears seeds that yield an aromatic oil.

Examples of Usage

• , commonly known as the neem tree, is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine.
• The village was shaded by several large trees.
• Extracts from the leaves and seeds of are used as a natural pesticide.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific and formal contexts: The term is used primarily in botanical, agricultural, and pharmacological writing to refer to the species with precision.
  • The study focused on the insecticidal properties of Azadirachta indica seed extract.

Variants and Related Words

• Neem (n): The common English name for .
  • Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree.
• Melia azadirachta (n): A former scientific name under which this tree was sometimes classified.
• Margosa (n): Another common name for the tree, used in some regions.

Synonyms

• Neem tree: The most widely used common name.
• Indian lilac: A less common alternative name, referring to its lilac-like flowers and fruit.

Noun

1. large semi-evergreen tree of the East Indies; trunk exudes a tenacious gum; bitter bark used as a tonic; seeds yield an aromatic oil; sometimes placed in genus Melia