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

An alternative to chemical-based sprays or creams are ones with plant-based ingredients such as citronella, lavender and peppermint.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024

Scented candles can give off certain essential oils, including citronella.

From National Geographic • Sep. 27, 2023

If you are outside, don’t count on citronella for protection.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Yield makes minimalist citronella candles and incense sticks, lightly fragranced with gardenia, eucalyptus and citronella.

From Washington Times • Jun. 19, 2023

The only light is from the citronella candles they’re burning to ward off the bugs.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina