citrine

American  

[si-treen, -trahyn, -trin, si-treen] / ˈsɪ trin, -traɪn, -trɪn, sɪˈtrin /

adjective

1. pale-yellow; lemon-colored.

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noun

1. a translucent, yellow variety of quartz, often sold as topaz; false topaz; topaz quartz.

citrine British  

/ ˈsɪtrɪn /

noun

1. a brownish-yellow variety of quartz: a gemstone; false topaz

2. 1. the yellow colour of a lemon

   2. (as modifier)

      citrine hair

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citrine Scientific  

/ sĭ-trēn′,sĭt′rēn′ /

1. A pale-yellow variety of crystalline quartz resembling topaz. The coloring is caused by the presence of a small amount of iron in the crystal structure.

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Usage

What does citrine mean? Citrine is a translucent yellow gemstone. It is a variety of quartz. Its color can vary from pale yellow to almost brown. Citrine is considered a semiprecious gem, which is a label assigned to some gemstones that have a lesser value than those considered precious. Because it can have a similar coloring, citrine is sometimes confused with yellow topaz, a similar but more expensive gemstone. For this reason, citrine is sometimes known as false topaz or topaz quartz. (Citrine is sometimes falsely sold as topaz.)Along with topaz, citrine is one of the birthstones for the month of November. It is also considered a traditional gift for a 13th wedding anniversary (at least among the people who make up these things). The word citrine is also used to refer to a pale shade of yellow. Example: I got a bracelet with a dangling citrine for my birthday.

Etymology

Origin of citrine

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French; see citrus, -ine ¹

Compare meaning

How does citrine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• citrine vs. topaz

Example Sentences

This was an optimistic collection — with flashes of eye-popping citrine and vermillion — that never lectured but celebrated living in harmony.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2023

“The citrine and chartreuse in it highlight the strong architectural elements in the room,” Drake says.

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2022

There was the usual bouclé, mostly in knee-length skirt suits and coats in citrine and watermelon.

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2020

The good old citrine sub picks up the Beatles to save the day, and, also, a character named Jeremy, who is of the species of Boob.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2018

I wrap a tendril around a rod to give her the perfect coil, and mix two skin tones together—seashell white and a dark citrine brown.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton