noun
Uncommon
citrus
SIHT-ruhs
Citrus (noun) means any tree or fruit of the group that includes oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. Example: “The orchard grew several varieties of citrus.”
noun
1
Any tree or fruit of the group that includes oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
"The orchard grew several varieties of citrus."
adj
1
Relating to, tasting of, or smelling like citrus fruit.
"The perfume had a fresh, citrus scent."
"Its nose is very citrus and fruity."
— Robin Shepard, Wisconsin's Best Breweries and Brewpubs (2001)
"The problem with AG2 is that it's too citrus."
— Chandler Burr, The Perfect Scent: A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York (2008)
How to use citrus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe fruit family that includes oranges and lemons, or an adjective describing that tangy, zesty flavour or smell.
Common pairings
citrus fruit
citrus scent
citrus grove
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Word forms
- Plural
- citruses, citri, citrusses
- Comparative
- more citrus
- Superlative
- most citrus
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The orchard grew several varieties of _____.
Etymology
From Latin citrus, likely borrowed via Etruscan from Greek kedros ("cedar") — possibly making "citrus" and "cedar" distant relatives.
Frequently asked questions
What does “citrus” mean?
The word “citrus” means any tree or fruit of the group that includes oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. In plain terms, the fruit family that includes oranges and lemons, or an adjective describing that tangy, zesty flavour or smell.
How do you pronounce “citrus”?
“Citrus” is pronounced SIHT-ruhs (/ˈsɪtɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “citrus” in a sentence?
Here is “citrus” used in a sentence: “The orchard grew several varieties of citrus.”
What part of speech is “citrus”?
Depending on how it is used, “citrus” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “citrus” come from?
The word “citrus” comes from Latin. From Latin citrus, likely borrowed via Etruscan from Greek kedros ("cedar") — possibly making "citrus" and "cedar" distant relatives.
Is “citrus” a common word?
“Citrus” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “citrus” have?
“Citrus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any tree or fruit of the group that includes oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
What fruits count as "citrus"?
Citrus refers to the group of trees and fruits that includes oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. The term covers both the fruit itself and the tree it grows on.
What is the difference between "citrus" and "citric"?
"Citrus" mainly functions as a noun for the fruit or tree group, and also as an adjective describing something related to it, while "citric" is an adjective used specifically in the term "citric acid," the acid found in citrus fruits. "Citrus-flavored" and "citric acid" are both common but not interchangeable.
What does it mean when a product is described as having a "citrus" scent or taste?
It means the product tastes or smells like citrus fruit, typically sharp, fresh, and slightly tart, similar to oranges, lemons, or limes. This adjective use is common in descriptions of food, drinks, perfumes, and cleaning products.
