Definition

Noun: 1. A species of deciduous tree: A large tree (Tilia tomentosa) native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, characterized by its leaves which are dark green on top and covered with a dense, silvery-white, felt-like hair (tomentum) on the underside. It is widely planted for ornamental purposes in parks and along streets.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The silver lime in the town square provides excellent shade during the summer.
  • You can easily identify a silver lime by the silvery-white underside of its leaves.
  • Several silver limes were planted along the avenue for their attractive foliage and tolerance of urban conditions.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: The term is used specifically in botany, horticulture, and landscaping to refer to this particular species, often noting its distinctive visual characteristic (the silver-backed leaves) and its value as a cultivated ornamental tree.
  • For a striking contrast, landscape designers often recommend the silver lime.

Variants and Related Words

• Silver Linden: This is a common synonym for the same tree species (). The terms "lime" and "linden" are often used interchangeably for trees in the genus.
• Tilia tomentosa: The formal botanical (Latin) name for the silver lime tree.

Synonyms

• Silver linden
• (scientific name)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "silver" in "silver lime" specifically describes the color and texture of the leaf's underside, not the fruit or wood of the tree. It is not related to the metallic element silver or the citrus fruit lime.

Noun

1. large tree native to eastern Europe and Asia Minor having leaves with white tomentum on the under side; widely cultivated as an ornamental