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 is a through-line of citrus fruit, tropical fruit, soft spice, and minerality that runs from vintage to vintage. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Jan. 2025

Coca-Cola is debuting a new flavor – and it's got a hint of citrus in it. —Peter Burke, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025

For example, citrus and fruit are big in the summer, spices like clove and cinnamon predominate in the fall, and cranberry and mace take center stage in the winter, Warrener says. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 27 Jan. 2025

Once assembled, the citrus tartlets should be kept in the fridge. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025

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