citronella

[ si-truh-nel-uh ]

noun

1. a fragrant grass, Cymbopogon nardus, of southern Asia, cultivated as the source of citronella oil.
2. citronella oil.

citronella

/ ˌsɪtrəˈnɛlə /

noun

1. Also calledcitronella grass a tropical Asian grass, Cymbopogon (or Andropogon ) nardus, with bluish-green lemon-scented leaves
2. Also calledcitronella oil the yellow aromatic oil obtained from this grass, used in insect repellents, soaps, perfumes, etc

citronella

/ sĭt′rə-nĕl′ə /

1. The pale-yellow, lemon-scented oil obtained from the leaves of a tropical Asian grass ( Cymbopogon nardus ), used in insect repellents and perfumes. Citronella consists primarily of an aldehyde of octane.

Word History and Origins

Origin of citronella¹

1855–60; < New Latin < French citronelle, equivalent to citron citron + -elle diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of citronella¹

C19: New Latin, from French citronnelle lemon balm, from citron lemon

Example Sentences

From starting grills, to lighting fireworks, to burning citronella candles, this little lighter is the true hero of the summer season.

From Popular-Science

Oil of citronella and oil of lemon grass are sometimes substituted for lemon oil.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of the red color and the white compound, citronella gives a bright yellow color, which does not disappear for some time.

From Project Gutenberg

Then stomachs must be anointed with more citronella; sheets and blankets reassembled, and quiet gradually restored.

From Project Gutenberg

One marrow bone, half a pint of oil, ten cents' worth of citronella.

From Project Gutenberg

You see, citronella comes out in the wash, but there are one or two other things much stronger.

From Project Gutenberg