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

Add brown rice, quinoa, 2 ounces of citrus sauce, salt and pepper and mix until everything is evenly coated. 4. —Peter Burke, Fox News, 20 Feb. 2025

The sauce is adjacent to the orange chicken but with a less specific citrus flavor. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Limes are a citrus fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family of flowering plants. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025

Key Lime Pie Ale – A tart and creamy ale with a light, refreshing balance of citrus and malt. —Noel Burgess, Forbes, 19 Feb. 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

Rhymes for citrus

• nitrous

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