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DictionarycitrusJuicy segmented fruit
noun / adjective

citrus

SIT-ruhs/ˈsɪtrəs/

A tree or shrub bearing juicy segmented fruits with thick rinds.

The citrus grows glossy leaves and thick-rinded fruit.

A small lemon tree with glossy leaves and thick-rinded yellow fruits attached; one cut fruit on the ground exposes juicy radial segments.
Etymology
citrusLatincitron tree

Latin citrus named the citron tree. Its use as a botanical genus name extended the term to the related trees and their fruits, including oranges and lemons; the Latin name’s earlier origin is uncertain.

In context

Honed Fettle1:32
citrus fruits like lemons and oranges and vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers
7 Alkaline Foods to Help Balance Your Body's pH

More examples

  • Oranges and grapefruit are citrus fruits.
  • The gardener protects the young citrus from frost.
  • The orchard grows several kinds of citrus.

Forms

citrus · citruses

Similar words

fruit
Fruit is the broader category; citrus identifies a group that includes oranges, lemons, and related plants.