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

The citrus industry should be an important symbol of all of Texas, not just the Valley, Emily Holbrook said, arguing that Texas should be recognized as having the best-tasting citrus over Florida and California. —Berenice Garcia, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Dec. 2024

Can red wigglers have citrus? Red wigglers or composting worms don’t like citrus. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Dec. 2024

This is supple and elegant, with a precise mineral edge and scents of hazelnuts and pear beneath green citrus flavors. —Patrick Comiskey, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

In the new year, The Lord Mayor’s Lounge will offer a brand-new afternoon tea menu, the hotel’s 201st year, featuring feta and tomato on pumpkin seed bread, golden raisin buttermilk scones, citrus macaroons, and so much more. —Meredith Lepore, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 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