citronella

American  

[si-truh-nel-uh] / ˌsɪ trəˈnɛl ə /

noun

1. a fragrant grass, Cymbopogon nardus, of southern Asia, cultivated as the source of citronella oil.

2. citronella oil.

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citronella British  

/ ˌsɪtrəˈnɛlə /

noun

1. Also called: citronella grass.  a tropical Asian grass, Cymbopogon (or Andropogon ) nardus, with bluish-green lemon-scented leaves

2. Also called: citronella oil.  the yellow aromatic oil obtained from this grass, used in insect repellents, soaps, perfumes, etc

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citronella Scientific  

/ sĭt′rə-nĕl′ə /

1. The pale-yellow, lemon-scented oil obtained from the leaves of a tropical Asian grass (Cymbopogon nardus), used in insect repellents and perfumes. Citronella consists primarily of an aldehyde of octane.

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Etymology

Origin of citronella

1855–60; < New Latin < French citronelle, equivalent to citron citron + -elle diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

They bit right through my sun hoodie and were unphased by Citronella spray.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2023

Citronella candles can be scented or not; some people love a fragrant candle, others prefer a more neutral scent.

From Washington Times • Jun. 19, 2023

Citronella candles are an important part of outdoor entertaining, and there are some pretty ones out there.

From Washington Times • Jun. 19, 2023

Advice from Wirecutter: Citronella candles don’t really work.

From New York Times • Jun. 19, 2022

Citronella differs psychologically from Juliet — she is more like poor, dear Francesca in her feeling of the cosmic inevitability of tragedy.

From Hermione's Group of Thinkers by Marquis, Don