Citrus Meaning
/ˈsɪtɹəs/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounAny of several shrubs or trees of the genus Citrus in the family Rutaceae.
nounThe fruit of such plants, generally spherical, oblate, or prolate, consisting of an outer glandular skin (called zest), an inner white skin (called pith or albedo), and generally between 8 and 16 sectors filled with pulp consisting of cells with one end attached to the inner skin. Citrus fruits include orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, and citron.
Sentence Examples
Regular use of citrus fruit will shrink pores and make the skin feel fresh.
In the big orchard, they grow citrus fruits that are juicy and rich in vitamins.
Citrus adds a nice tang to a salad dressing.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The orchard was full of ____ trees, which produced juicy oranges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I always enjoy a fresh glass of ____ juice on a hot summer day.
Word Origin & History
From Latin citrus (“a citron tree, thuja”), probably via Etruscan from Ancient Greek κέδρος (kédros); compare Middle English citurtre, cytyr tre. Thus a possible doublet of cedar.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Its nose is very citrus and fruity."
— 2001, Robin Shepard, Wisconsin's Best Breweries and Brewpubs, page 61:
"[…] and his cologne was more citrus than the usual leatherwood floating in formaldehyde."
— 2007, Eric Martin, The Virgin's Guide to Mexico: A Novel, page 176:
"The problem with AG2 is that it's too citrus."
— 2008, Chandler Burr, The Perfect Scent: A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The orchard was full of ____ trees, which produced juicy oranges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I always enjoy a fresh glass of ____ juice on a hot summer day.