lime-wash
Definition
Noun:
- A whitish coating for walls: "lime-wash" refers to a mixture of lime and water used to whiten walls, ceilings, or other surfaces, often applied to brick or stone for decoration or protection.
Verb:
- To apply a lime-wash: "lime-wash" as a verb means to coat a surface with this lime mixture.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The old farmhouse was given a fresh coat of lime-wash to brighten its exterior. (A whitening coating for the walls.)
- Traditional buildings in the region are often treated with lime-wash for weather resistance. (A protective lime-based coating.)
Verb:
- They decided to lime-wash the garden wall to match the historic style. (To apply a lime mixture to the wall.)
- The workers will lime-wash the ceiling before painting the trim. (To coat with lime-wash.)
Advanced Usage
"to be lime-washed": to have a surface coated with lime-wash.
- The cottage was lime-washed annually to maintain its bright appearance. (The cottage received an annual coating of lime-wash.)
"lime-wash as a preservative": used historically to protect wood or masonry from decay.
- Barns were often lime-washed to prevent rot and insect damage. (Lime-wash served as a protective layer.)
Variants and Related Words
Lime (n): a white caustic alkaline substance (calcium oxide) obtained by heating limestone.
- Lime is the main ingredient in lime-wash. (The base material for the coating.)
Whitewash (n): a similar mixture, often using lime or chalk, for whitening surfaces.
- Whitewash is sometimes used interchangeably with lime-wash, though it may contain other binders. (A related but not identical coating.)
Synonyms
- Whitewash: a coating for whitening walls, often made with lime or chalk.
- Lime plaster: a more durable lime-based wall finish.
Phrasal Verbs
- Lime-wash over: to cover a surface with lime-wash.
- They lime-washed over the old brick to give it a uniform look. (Applied lime-wash to cover the original surface.)
Related Idioms