citrus

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.

“Citrus” is pronounced SIHT-ruhs (/ˈsɪtɹəs/ in IPA).

Here is “citrus” used in a sentence: “The orchard grew several varieties of citrus.”

Depending on how it is used, “citrus” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “citrus” comes from Latin. From Latin citrus, likely borrowed via Etruscan from Greek kedros ("cedar") — possibly making "citrus" and "cedar" distant relatives.

“Citrus” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“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.

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.

"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.

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.