neem

[ neem ]

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 neem tree, the tree itself.

neem

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of neem¹

1805–15; < Hindi nīm < Sanskrit nimba

Word History and Origins

Origin of neem¹

C19: from Hindi nīm, from Sanskrit nimba

Example Sentences

While greeting him I heard a great clamour of scolding babblers (Crateropus canorus) emanating from a neem tree hard by.

From Project Gutenberg

"Ik heb not the neem of Jan," snarled the detected Koets, retiring in disorder.

From Project Gutenberg

My elder sister Uma and I were seated in the early morning under a neem tree in our Gorakhpur compound.

From Project Gutenberg

In accordance with ancient custom, the master gave to people in general a neem 35-19 oil for the cure of various diseases.

From Project Gutenberg

On the side of his plate was a large lump of very bitter neem leaves, a notable blood cleanser.

From Project Gutenberg