citrus

[ si-truhs ]

/ ˈsɪ trəs /

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Definition of citrus

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

citron wood, citrovorum factor, citrulline, citrullinemia, citrullinuria, citrus, citrus canker, citrus greening disease, Citrus Heights, citrus red mite, citrussy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use citrus in a sentence

It takes a significant amount of water to keep avocados and citrus happy, a resource that does not flow so naturally through Southern California.
Farmers Want to Create San Diego’s Carbon Dumps|MacKenzie Elmer|February 3, 2021|Voice of San Diego
Trim off any rinds, cut the cheese into chunks or batons, and place them snugly in a glass jar along with any aromatics you fancy such as rosemary, chiles, or citrus zest.
Rescue dried-out cheese with this simple trick|By Benjamin Kember/Saveur|December 8, 2020|Popular-Science
Elegant and bright with red fruit flavors, the Champagne offers a fine mousse that supports the fresh and complex citrus notes with distinct hints of lemon, cherry, and strawberry.
Champagne is too special to be enjoyed only on special occasions. Here are 5 bottles to pop anytime this winter|Rachel King|December 5, 2020|Fortune
For bright flavors, I reach for citrus peels, sumac, and rose hips.
Mix your own delicious herbal tea using leftover spices|By Kristy Mucci/Saveur|December 4, 2020|Popular-Science

The blush-hued wine features fruit and sharp citrus aromas, with a crisp and dry well-rounded finish.
The best wines for Thanksgiving|Rachel King|November 21, 2020|Fortune
Meanwhile younger, lighter colors evoke citrus and tree fruits, candy sugars and vanilla toffee.
Why Natural Color Is So Crucial To Understanding A Whisky’s Flavors||December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I became numb to the barrage of smells: citrus disinfectants, burning trash, sewage, sweat, and diesel.
How I’ll End the War: My First Week Back in Afghanistan|Nick Willard|May 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Strong fennel and wormwood hit the back of my tongue along with a dryness from the barrel and hints of citrus from the chamomile.
The Absinthe-Minded Porteños of Buenos Aires|Jeff Campagna|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He sprays the glass with some citrus peel and garnishes the cocktail with an organic flower and cinnamon sticks.
The Secret Speakeasies of Buenos Aires|Jeff Campagna|February 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Where Citrus County felt like a coiled spring, the pace of A Million Heavens is sedate, diffused among a dozen or so characters.
3 Must-Read Offbeat Novels: ‘A Million Heavens,’ ‘The Investigation,’ ‘Office Girl’|Drew Toal, Kevin Canfield, Daniel Roberts|July 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The most costly, so far as we know, were the round tables made from cross-sections of the citrus-tree, found in Africa.
The Private Life of the Romans|Harold Whetstone Johnston
But there were no citrus trees in the Holy Land when He walked its highways and crossed through its orchards.
The United Seas|Robert W. Rogers
In the studio, upon the throne-like chair of carved citrus wood and heavy crimson silk, Dea Flavia sat silent and alone.
"Unto Caesar"|Baroness Emmuska Orczy
She herself sat on a high chair with circular back carved of citrus wood, but Caius Nepos and the others preferred to stand.
"Unto Caesar"|Baroness Emmuska Orczy
The greatest use made of citrus fruits is that of serving them raw.
Woman's Institute Library of Cookery, Vol. 5|Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.