citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

often attributive

: any of a group of often thorny trees and shrubs (Citrus and related genera) of the rue family grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (such as the orange or lemon) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

also : the fruit

citrusy

ˈsi-trə-sē 

adjective

Examples of citrus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s Cowboy, a grassy citrus fragrance and Cowgirl whose ranch and rodeo homage finds notes of bergamot and tuberose, orange blossoms, garden geraniums, and jasmine. —Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

AlUla also has over 200,000 citrus trees (like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits). —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2024

This elegant wine introduces itself with aromas of lemon pith, citrus blossom, and a whiff of garrigue. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2024

Just like in the citrus steam-cleaning hack, place the microwave-safe bowl inside and turn on the power for approximately three minutes. —Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing citrus

• Asian citrus psyllid
• citrus canker
• citrus greening
• citrus greening disease
• citrus red mite

Kids Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

: any of a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs (as the orange, grapefruit, or lemon) grown in warm regions for their fruits

also : the fruit of a citrus

citrus adjective

Medical Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

often attributive

1

capitalized : a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs of the rue family (Rutaceae) grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (as the orange, lemon, lime, or mandarin) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

2

plural citruses or citrus : any plant or fruit of the genus Citrus or a related genus