Is 'lima' always a proper noun?

No. When capitalised ('Lima'), it is a proper noun (the city). In lowercase ('lima bean'), it functions as a common noun modifier.

What is the difference between a lima bean and a butter bean?

They are often used interchangeably, especially in the US. Technically, butter beans are a larger, mature variety of lima bean, but the terms frequently overlap in casual use.

How do you pronounce 'Lima' the city?

In both British and American English for the city, it is /ˈliːmə/. The /ˈlaɪmə/ variant is typically reserved for the bean in some American dialects.

Why is it called a 'lima' bean?

It is named after Lima, Peru, a main port from which the beans were originally shipped.

lima: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low

UK/ˈliːmə/US/ˈliːmə/, /ˈlaɪmə/ (bean, variant)

Formal (geographical/culinary context), Technical (botany/culinary)

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Quick answer

What does “lima” mean?

A city, the capital of Peru.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A city, the capital of Peru; also refers to certain beans.

Primarily used as a proper noun for the capital of Peru. Can also refer to lima beans (a type of flat, pale green or white bean) and is used in the names of various plants and animals (e.g., Lima syndrome).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'lima' is almost exclusively a place name. In American English, 'lima bean' is a common culinary term.

Connotations

Neutral for the city; for the bean, often associated with school cafeterias or simple cooking in the US.

Frequency

The term 'lima bean' is significantly more common in American English.

Grammar

How to Use “lima” in a Sentence

[Proper Noun] Lima is [adjective]a [adjective] lima bean

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

lima beancapital of Perucity of Lima

medium

butter limababy limatravel to Lima

weak

Lima syndromeLima conferencebased in Lima

Examples

Examples of “lima” in a Sentence

verb

British English

American English

adverb

British English

American English

adjective

British English

American English

She prepared a lima bean casserole.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to the economic hub of Peru, e.g., 'Our South American headquarters are in Lima.'

Academic

Used in geography, history, and culinary studies contexts.

Everyday

Most commonly encountered in discussions about travel, food, or world capitals.

Technical

In botany/agriculture: 'Phaseolus lunatus' (the lima bean plant).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “lima”

Strong

butter bean (for lima bean)

Neutral

capital bean

Weak

pulse legume

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “lima”

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “lima”

Incorrect capitalisation: writing 'lima' for the city.
Mispronouncing the bean as /ˈlaɪmə/ in a British context where /ˈliːmə/ is standard.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. When capitalised ('Lima'), it is a proper noun (the city). In lowercase ('lima bean'), it functions as a common noun modifier.
: They are often used interchangeably, especially in the US. Technically, butter beans are a larger, mature variety of lima bean, but the terms frequently overlap in casual use.
: In both British and American English for the city, it is /ˈliːmə/. The /ˈlaɪmə/ variant is typically reserved for the bean in some American dialects.
: It is named after Lima, Peru, a main port from which the beans were originally shipped.
: A city, the capital of Peru.
: Lima is usually formal (geographical/culinary context), technical (botany/culinary) in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“-”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

LIMA: LIke MAny beans, it comes from Peru.

Conceptual Metaphor

ORIGIN AS RESOURCE (The city Lima is a source of culture/history; the bean is a source of nutrition).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

For the soup, you'll need carrots, celery, and a cup of beans.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the pronunciation /ˈlaɪmə/ most likely to be heard?