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

Example: Empirical Cilantro: Empirical Cilantro is a spirit with a fresh citrus aroma and herbal notes, followed by a dry mineral finish with hints of fennel and green tomato. —Rachel King, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Taschen on a 272-page book about the humble yet versatile lemon, offering history, design, anecdotes and even recipes, all with citrus vibes. —Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

Grapefruit, a type of citrus fruit, can be consumed as food, juice, or a dietary supplement. —Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024

With a rich texture and a citrus scent, the cream targets sagging skin with firming collagen and amino acids. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 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