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Glite Dictionary
small-leaved lime

small-leaved lime

8.1
A large European tree with small dark green leaves often planted in parks
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : tilo de hojas pequeñas
  • The botanist identified the tree as a small-leaved lime by its distinctive leaves.

Examples

  • Several small-leaved lime trees line the avenue, providing thick shade in summer.

  • The small-leaved lime is popular in city parks for its attractive foliage.

  • The small-leaved lime is a beautiful tree.

  • Many gardeners prefer the small-leaved lime for its aesthetic appeal.

  • Several small-leaved lime trees line the avenue, providing thick shade in summer.

  • The small-leaved lime is popular in city parks for its attractive foliage.

  • The botanist identified the tree as a small-leaved lime by its distinctive leaves.

Synonyms

Tilia cordata
vssmall-leaved lime
  • Specialized
9.9

A large spreading European linden tree with small dark green leaves

is the common name used in everyday language
small-leaved linden
vssmall-leaved lime
  • Specialized
8.1

A large European tree with small dark green leaves grown for its shade and beauty

refers to the same tree but uses a different common name

Surface Forms

small-leaved lime singular
small-leaved limes plural

Morphology

small-leaved + lime

The noun phrase is compositionally built from 'small-leaved' (having small leaves) + 'lime' (a linden tree), so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it denotes a lime tree with small leaves. This adjective+noun descriptive pattern is a common, cross-linguistic compounding strategy and therefore immediately comprehensible to B1 learners who know the parts.

Etymology

Small-leaved lime is a simple name that creates a clear image: small-leaved shows the tree has small leaves, and lime was once a common word for the 'linden' tree, not the 'lime' fruit. So, the name points to a linden tree with small leaves, which is why it now means that particular tree species.