citrus
[ si-truhs ]
/ ˈsɪ trəs /
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noun, plural cit·rus·es.
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.
the tart-to-sweet, pulpy fruit of any of these trees or shrubs, having a characteristically smooth, shiny, stippled skin.
adjective
Also citrous . of or relating to such trees or shrubs, or their fruit.
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Origin of citrus
1815–25; <New Latin, Latin: citron tree
Words nearby citrus
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for citrus
citrus
/ (ˈsɪtrəs) /
noun plural -ruses
any tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical rutaceous genus Citrus, which includes the orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, citron, and calamondin
adjective Also: citrous
of, relating to, or belonging to the genus Citrus or to the fruits of plants of this genus
Word Origin for citrus
C19: from Latin: citrus tree, sandarac tree; related to Greek kedros cedar
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for citrus
citrus
[ sĭt′rəs ]
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.
The usually edible fruit of one of these trees or shrubs.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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