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

Ranging in styles from extra dry to sweet, Sekt produced from Riesling offer fresh and racy acidity, minerality, and notes of citrus, orchard, and stone fruit. —Michelle Williams, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The shampoo's fragrance is described as having citrus and herbal notes. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024

After blending and bottling the finished wine has enticing aromas of cardamom, citrus blossom, and honeysuckle. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024

And this was the citrus braised pork with crispy shallots. —Bon Appétit, 30 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