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

Fortaleza Blanco, Fortaleza (NOM 1493) Fortaleza is a traditional Blanco with intense roasted agave, citrus, and earth aromas. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Get the recipe > Whole Steamed Fish with Tangerine Peel and Fennel Bright citrus and peppery fennel enliven flaky steamed fish in this elegant banquet-table centerpiece. —Megan Zhang, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025

The land has hosted summer camps, taught people how to milk goats and grew citrus and nut trees. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025

God’s Gift: A delightful mix of hash, citrus, and grape, inspired by OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 15 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