Citrus
/ˈsɪtrəs/
nounBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Any of a genus (Citrus) of thorny evergreen trees or shrubs of the rue family, bearing fruits that contain citric acid.
/ˈsɪtrəs/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A type of fruit
I love the taste of fresh citrus in my morning juice.
💡 Simply: Citrus fruits are like a super-family of yummy, juicy fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. They're usually a bit sour and have lots of vitamin C!
👶 For kids: Fruits like oranges and lemons that are juicy and a little sour.
More Examples
2
The citrus grove was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.
How It's Used
Culinary
"Lemons and oranges are citrus fruits."
Botany
"The citrus family includes a wide variety of species."
From Late Latin citrus, from Greek κιτρων (kitrōn), possibly of Persian origin.
The word 'citrus' has been used in English since the 17th century, referring primarily to the lemon and citron.
Memory tip
Think 'citric acid' – it's in many citrus fruits!
Practice
citriscitrous
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written