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

On the stove, set a tiny simmer pot—some cinnamon sticks, citrus peel, a rosemary sprig, a splash of water—to give the house a soft, cozy scent without overwhelming the food.

Read more on Salon

Despite the name, these aren’t peppers at all but members of the citrus family that trigger a numbing, tingling sensation on the tongue.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Brian, seen at 16, harvests citrus fruit in the San Joaquin Valley.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Seoul's presidential office said the drink was flavoured with yuzu, a citrus fruit.

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The two leaders celebrated the “golden era” of the U.S.-Korean alliance with a special luncheon topped off with a “Peacemaker’s Dessert” with golden citrus and a gold-adorned brownie.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal