Citrinella

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of essential oil derived from the leaves of a certain grass, often used for its insect-repelling properties
2. Referring to a plant recognized for its sharp citrus scent, commonly utilized in fragrances and natural repellents
3. Describing a botanical material recognized for its aromatic quality, particularly in the context of pest control and herbal remedies

Etymology: Citronella oil gets its name from the lemon smell of the grass it comes from. The name comes from French "citronelle," a diminutive of "citron" (lemon), and the "-ella" ending reflects that diminutive. The oil's standard spelling is "citronella," so "citrinella" is probably a misspelling of it. "Citrinella" with an "i" is a real term in a different context. It is the scientific name of a genus of finches, the citril finch, which Peter Simon Pallas named in 1764. That name draws on the Latin "citrinus," meaning lemon-yellow, the same root that gives "citrine." The bird and the grass oil share a lemon-yellow association, but they are unrelated in origin.