lemon-tree

A small lemon-tree grows in a sunny backyard.

Definition

lemon-tree (noun): A small evergreen tree (Citrus limon) native to Asia, widely cultivated in warm climates for its oval, yellow, edible fruit (the lemon). The tree has fragrant white flowers and glossy leaves.

Usage Examples

• (A tree that produces lemons.)
• (The tree flowers seasonally.)

Advanced Usage

• "to shake the lemon-tree": A rare idiom meaning to force a situation to yield results, often by applying pressure.
  • The manager shook the lemon-tree to get the team to finish the project on time. (He applied pressure to achieve results.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lemon (n): The fruit of the lemon-tree.

  • She squeezed a lemon into her tea. (The fruit from the lemon-tree.)

• Lemonade (n): A drink made from lemon juice, water, and sugar.

  • He made fresh lemonade from the lemons of his lemon-tree. (A beverage derived from the tree's fruit.)

Synonyms

• Citrus tree: A broader term for trees in the citrus family, including lemon-trees.
• Lemon plant: A less common term for the lemon-tree.

Related Idioms

• "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade": A proverb encouraging optimism in adversity, indirectly referencing the lemon-tree's fruit.
  • Even though he lost his job, he decided to start a business — when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. (Turn a problem into an opportunity.)