LATIN DICTIONARYLexicon Latīnum
noun · femininesecond declension

citrus

citrus f (genitive citrī)
Classical[ˈkɪ.trʊs]Ecclesiastical[ˈt͡ʃiː.trus]

Meaning

  1. femininecitron tree
  2. femininethuja

Declension

declension
formsingularplural
nominativecitruscitrī
genitivecitrīcitrōrum
dativecitrōcitrīs
accusativecitrumcitrōs
ablativecitrōcitrīs
vocativecitrecitrī

cī^trus, i prob. a mutilation of κέδρος, cedrus.
I. The citrus, an African tree (hence Atlantis silva, Luc. 10, 144, and Massyla robora, Stat. S. 3, 3, 94), whose very fragrant wood (v. citrum) was used in making household furniture, and was prized very highly, Plin. 13, 15, 29, § 91 sq.; 13, 16, 30, § 100; Varr R. R. 3, 2, 4; Luc. 9, 428; cf. citreus, I. and citrum.—
II. The citrontree (also called malus Medica, Persica, etc.), Citrus Medica, Linn., whose fruit and leaves were laid between the folds of clothing to preserve it from worms; and also used as a counter-poison, Plin. 12, 3, 7, § 14 sq.; cf. id. 13, 16, 31, § 103; Cloat. and Opp. ap. Macr. S. 2, 15; Pall. Mart. 10, 16; cf. Serv. ad Verg. G. 2, 126.

Origins

Probably via Etruscan from Ancient Greek κέδρος (kédros).

Descendants
  • Frenchcitron
  • Englishcitrine
  • Englishcitron
  • Englishcitrus
  • Italiancedro
  • Lombardzeder
  • Piedmontesesitron

Quick answers

What does citrus mean in Latin?
citrus, a noun, means “citron tree; thuja”.
What is the genitive of citrus?
The genitive singular is citrī. citrus is feminine, second declension.
How do you pronounce citrus?
In classical Latin, [ˈkɪ.trʊs]; in ecclesiastical (church) Latin, [ˈt͡ʃiː.trus].