quicklime

Lime Lime, n. [AS. l[=i]m; akin to D. lijm, G. leim, OHG. l[=i]m, Icel. l[=i]m, Sw. lim, Dan. liim, L. limus mud, linere to smear, and E. loam. [root]126. Cf. {Loam}, {Liniment}.] 1. Birdlime. [1913 Webster]

Like the lime That foolish birds are caught with. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]

2. (Chem.) Oxide of calcium, {CaO}; the white or gray, caustic substance, usually called {quicklime}, obtained by calcining limestone or shells, the heat driving off carbon dioxide and leaving lime. It develops great heat when treated with water, forming {slaked lime}, and is an essential ingredient of cement, plastering, mortar, etc. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Note: Lime is the principal constituent of limestone, marble, chalk, bones, shells, etc. [1913 Webster]

{Caustic lime}, Calcium hydroxide or slaked lime; also, in a less technical sense, calcium oxide or quicklime.

{Lime burner}, one who burns limestone, shells, etc., to make lime.

{Lime pit}, a limestone quarry.

{Lime rod}, {Lime twig}, a twig smeared with birdlime; hence, that which catches; a snare. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]