citrus

American  

[si-truhs] / ˈsɪ trəs /

noun

PLURAL

citruses

1. any small tree or spiny shrub of the genus Citrus, of the rue family, including the lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, citron, kumquat, and shaddock, widely cultivated for fruit or grown as an ornamental.

2. the tart-to-sweet, pulpy fruit of any of these trees or shrubs, having a characteristically smooth, shiny, stippled skin.

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adjective

1. Also citrous of or relating to such trees or shrubs, or their fruit.

citrus British  

/ ˈsɪtrəs /

noun

1. any tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical rutaceous genus Citrus, which includes the orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, citron, and calamondin

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the genus Citrus or to the fruits of plants of this genus

citrus Scientific  

/ sĭt′rəs /

1. Any of various evergreen trees or shrubs bearing fruit with juicy flesh and a thick rind. Citrus trees are native to southern and southeast Asia but are grown in warm climates around the world. Many species have spines. The orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit are citrus trees.

2. The usually edible fruit of one of these trees or shrubs.

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Etymology

Origin of citrus

1815–25; < New Latin, Latin: citron tree

Example Sentences

Made from equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the Brut Reserve is creamy and lush yet fresh, with bright notes of citrus and orange peel.

From The Wall Street Journal

The subtle citrus flavor really elevates the sauce to take you on a journey from the tartness of the cranberries to a subtle sweetness bite of orange.

From Salon

This elegant drink balances subtle sweetness, tannins, citrus and ginger.

From The Wall Street Journal

On the stove, set a tiny simmer pot—some cinnamon sticks, citrus peel, a rosemary sprig, a splash of water—to give the house a soft, cozy scent without overwhelming the food.

From Salon

Despite the name, these aren’t peppers at all but members of the citrus family that trigger a numbing, tingling sensation on the tongue.

From The Wall Street Journal