citronellal
noun
cit·ro·nel·lal
ˌsi-trə-ˈne-ˌlal 
: a lemon-odored aldehyde C10H18O that is derived especially from citronella oil and is used in perfumery and as an insect repellent
Examples of citronellal in a Sentence
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In a lab setting, citronellal has been found to repel bugs.
—
Benjamin Whitacre, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022
Their oils contain at least 10 to 20 percent citronellal.
—Benjamin Whitacre, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022
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Benjamin Whitacre, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022
Their oils contain at least 10 to 20 percent citronellal.
—Benjamin Whitacre, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Citronellal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronellal. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
citronellal
noun
cit·ro·nel·lal
-ˈnel-ˌal
: an aldehyde C10H18O with a lemony odor that is obtained especially from citronella oil and that is used in perfumery and as an insect repellent
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