limy

Limy is an adjective used to describe substances, environments, or colors that contain or resemble lime, especially calcium carbonate. In geology and soil science the term denotes a high lime content; limy rocks are rich in calcium carbonate and often include limestone, chalk, or dolostone. Limy soils, or calcareous soils, are typically alkaline and can influence the availability of nutrients to plants.

In liquids the phrase limy describes waters or solutions that contain dissolved lime compounds, such as limewater, a solution of calcium hydroxide. Limewater turns cloudy when carbon dioxide is dissolved to form calcium carbonate.

The term is also used to describe surfaces or deposits that are coated with lime or limestone residues, such as limy crusts on bricks, masonry, or utensils in damp environments. In color naming, limy can refer to a pale lime-green to yellow-green hue, resembling the color of fresh lime.

Etymology: limy derives from lime, the common term for calcium-containing materials used in construction and chemistry.

See also calcareous, lime, limestone, limewater.