citrus

[si-truhs]

noun

plural

citruses 

1. 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.

2. the tart-to-sweet, pulpy fruit of any of these trees or shrubs, having a characteristically smooth, shiny, stippled skin.

adjective

1. Also citrous of or relating to such trees or shrubs, or their fruit.

citrus

/ ˈsɪtrəs /

noun

1. any tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical rutaceous genus Citrus, which includes the orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, citron, and calamondin

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the genus Citrus or to the fruits of plants of this genus

citrus

1. 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.

2. The usually edible fruit of one of these trees or shrubs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of citrus¹

1815–25; < New Latin, Latin: citron tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of citrus¹

C19: from Latin: citrus tree, sandarac tree; related to Greek kedros cedar

Example Sentences

It’s equally at home as a Tuesday night dinner for friends, especially with a sharp arugula salad on the side — peppery leaves glossed in a citrus vinaigrette that cuts through the butter and cheese.

Read more on Salon

The orange sauce — almost candy-sweet with a citrus tang — is cooked with real orange peels and dried Szechuan peppers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Outside, the one-acre grounds boast a garden, koi pond, citrus grove, swimming pool, pool house and guesthouse.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If that doesn't seem enough there's a special cocktail, the Transatlantic Whisky Sour, which blends Johnnie Walker with the bright citrus of marmalade, with pecan foam and a toasted marshmallow on a biscuit.

Read more on BBC

This would strip Israeli goods of privileged access to European markets, with tariffs imposed on billions of euros of exports - particularly agricultural produce like dates and citrus fruit.

Read more on BBC