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

This one plays in high notes: the citrus lifts, the fennel gives a soft anise hum, and the sugar teases out the squash’s own mellow sweetness.

From Salon

If you’re using citrus, zest is your best friend—it perfumes the cream without adding liquid, which means more flavor, less soup.

From Salon

Never did I think to combine coffee with cold citrus or fruit juice.

From Salon

I’ll take it in any form, but the version from my neighborhood Middle Eastern bakery — dense, silky, streaked with visible lemon zest and little lakes of citrus oil — is especially thrilling.

From Salon

Theirs is a hilly 29-acre property, filled with vegetable gardens, citrus and avocado trees and the flowers Nancy grows for her business making wedding floral arrangements.

From Los Angeles Times