neem

American  

[neem] / nim /

1. a product of the seeds of a tropical tree, Azadirachta indica, of the mahogany family, that disrupts reproduction in insects, used as an insecticide.

2. Also called nim tree, margosa.  Also called neem tree,.  the tree itself.

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neem British  

/ niːm /

noun

1. a large tree of India, Azadirachta indica , all parts of which are useful to man: the leaves act as a natural pesticide, the fruit and seeds yield a medicinal oil, the bark is used to make a tonic, and the trunk exudes a gum

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Etymology

Origin of neem

1805–15; < Hindi nīm < Sanskrit nimba

Example Sentences

The sauce entrepreneur is in a reflective mood as she tries to cool down in the shade of a towering neem tree near her home in Kpone Katamanso district, southern Ghana.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2022

Should your plant get those pesky spider mites, by the way, Husain suggests giving it a healthy dousing of water, then individually removing the mites using neem oil or soapy water.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2022

Insecticides and other treatments are available at garden supply stores; neem oil, a natural pesticide derived from neem trees, is popular and versatile.

From Washington Post • Nov. 17, 2021

Spray neem oil a few days later to prevent further pests.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 15, 2021

I fetched a cup of the neem brew from the bucket and gave it to Ma.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo