kaffir lime

American  

[kuh-feer lahym] / kəˈfɪər ˈlaɪm /

Also Kaffir lime; sometimes makrut lime

noun

Sometimes Offensive.

1. an Asian citrus tree, Citrus hystrix, having green fruit with wrinkly skin and aromatic leaves that are used in Southeast Asian cooking.

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Usage

Although the development of its name is not entirely certain, the kaffir in kaffir lime looks like a word that is used as a racial slur against Black people in South Africa. Because of that association, some people instead refer to this fruit as the makrut lime.

Etymology

Origin of kaffir lime

First recorded in 1820–30; Kaffir ( def. ) + lime ¹ ( def. ); sense development unclear; possibly named after the Sri Lankan Kaffirs, an ethnic group partly descended from enslaved Bantu Africans

Example Sentences

But she keeps at it, and not just for the subtle aromas of kaffir lime and anisey basil that the leaves impart on quintessential dishes like sambar and pachadi.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2022

Garnish with a kaffir lime leaf and fresh bird’s eye chilli.

From The Guardian • Oct. 26, 2020

Packaged for convenience, it comes in three flavors: butternut squash and kaffir lime, edamame and curry leaves, and spinach and mint.

From Washington Post • Jul. 6, 2018

Galangal, kaffir lime leaves, tamarind pulp, Thai basil and fish sauce are available at Thai and general Asian markets.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2016

You could apply the philosophy to Amanda Hesser’s recipe for kaffir lime meringue cakes with lime-scented papaya.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2016