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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of citronella

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

citronella

For example, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District says citronella candles are effective at repelling mosquitoes only in the immediate radius around the candle, and only in the absence of a breeze.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2024

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

From National Geographic ● Sep. 27, 2023

Basil, mint, thyme, geraniums, marigolds, wormwood and citronella all add a little flair to your garden while also repelling pests such as wasps.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 3, 2023

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

From Washington Times ● Jun. 19, 2023

As the sun set behind them, a citronella candle burned in a bucket in the center of the table to ward off mosquitoes.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green