citrus

[ si-truhs ]

noun

, plural cit·rus·es.

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

/ sĭt′rəs /

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

She reported 500 acres of avocado trees damaged or destroyed, 130 acres of citrus trees and 10 acres of raspberries, as well as 2,500 acres used for livestock grazing.

From Los Angeles Times

Crops at risk of this particular invasive species include pome and stone fruits, citrus, dates, avocados and many vegetables, particularly tomatoes and peppers.

From Los Angeles Times

Production impacts from both hurricanes may be felt most acutely by the Sunshine State's struggling citrus industry, which has long been embattled by diseases and destructive hurricanes.

From Salon

One of the snacks we do is a smoked beef snack with seasonal fish and a poppy seed tart with salted citrus and chilli.

From Salon

It’s Thursday, Sept. 25, 1975, and in a backyard citrus tree on South Glencoe Avenue in Venice, a Medfly is showing its foul face, its blue eyes and yellow belly.

From Los Angeles Times