citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

often attributive

: any of a group of often thorny trees and shrubs (Citrus and related genera) of the rue family grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (such as the orange or lemon) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

also : the fruit

citrusy

ˈsi-trə-sē 

adjective

Examples of citrus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

None other than an especially eye-catching shade of vivid blood orange that so happens to be reminiscent of both the juicy citrus fruit, but also a cult-favorite summer drink. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 July 2024

Citrate is a weak acid found in citrus fruits that is thought to have a variety of health benefits.3 Magnesium citrate is commonly used to treat constipation. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 16 July 2024

Overall citrus numbers were up 11.4 percent from the 2022-2023 season — but 2022-2023 had the lowest production in nearly 100 years. —Tom Urban, Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2024

The use of this peat gives the Yamazaki single malt, which is not usually smoky, notes of brown sugar and hints of bitter orange citrus on the palate to complement the smoke. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing citrus

• Asian citrus psyllid
• citrus canker
• citrus greening
• citrus greening disease
• citrus red mite

Kids Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

plural citrus or citruses

: any of a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs (as the orange, grapefruit, or lemon) grown in warm regions for their fruits

also : the fruit of a citrus

citrus adjective

Medical Definition

citrus

noun

cit·​rus ˈsi-trəs 

often attributive

1

capitalized : a genus of often thorny trees and shrubs of the rue family (Rutaceae) grown in warm regions for their edible fruit (as the orange, lemon, lime, or mandarin) with firm usually thick rind and pulpy flesh

2

plural citruses or citrus : any plant or fruit of the genus Citrus or a related genus