Lime is a term referring to a number of different citruses, both species and hybrids, which are typically round, green to yellow in color, 3-6 cm in diameter, generally containing sour pulp, and frequently associated with the lemon.

Varieties
The limes most commonly available commercially are the smaller, yellower Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and the larger, greener Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia).

"Key lime" is an American retronym, as the original fruit known in English as a "lime" was Citrus aurantifolia, derived from the Persian name لیمو, limu (the fruit was introduced to Europe during the Crusades). Other limes include the Mandarin lime (Citrus limonia), Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix), the various Australian limes, Spanish lime (Melicoccus bijugatus), wild lime (Adelia ricinella), sweet lime (Citrus limetta), Palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettioides), and musk lime (X Citrofortunella mitis). The limequat is a lime-kumquat hybrid.

Uses

Limes in drinks
Lime fruit, and particularly their juice, are used in beverages, such as limeade (akin to lemonade) and the popular drink, Sprite. Alcoholic beverages prepared with limes include cocktails such as gin and tonic, margarita, mojito, and Cuba libre, as well as many drinks that may be garnished with a thin slice of the fruit or corkscrew strip of the peel (twist). One customary consumption of tequila is in shots accompanied by lime wedges and salt. Beer is often served with limes in Mexico, as well as some other countries. Lime juice is also used in commercial soft drinks.

Limes in cooking

In cooking, lime is valued both for the acidity of its juice and the floral aroma of its zest. It is used in Key lime pie, a traditional Florida dessert, and is a very common ingredient in authentic Mexican and Southwestern American dishes. It is also used for its pickling properties in ceviche. Additionally, the leaves of the Kaffir lime are used in southeast Asian cuisine. The use of dried limes as a flavoring is typical of Persian cuisine.

Other uses
In order to prevent scurvy during the 19th century, British sailors were issued a daily

allowance of citrus such as lime (presumably Citrus aurantifolia), which led in time to the nickname "limey" for all Britons. It was later discovered that this beneficial effect derived from the quantities of Vitamin C the fruit contain.

Lime extracts and essential oils are frequently used in perfumes, cleaning products, and aromatherapy. Such use should not be confused with that of the unrelated lime tree (Tilia sp.).