Citrusy

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Possessing a taste or scent that evokes the essence of fruits like oranges and lemons
2. Marked by a flavor profile reminiscent of the acidity and zest associated with citrus fruits
3. Exhibiting qualities reminiscent of fruits such as lemons and oranges, especially in aroma and flavor

Etymology: "Citrusy" is a plain formation: the noun "citrus" with the English suffix "-y," meaning "having the qualities of" or "full of." The suffix traces back through Middle English "-y" to Old English "-ig," and ultimately to a Proto-Germanic root shared with words like "ready" and "noisy" in its sense of "characterised by." That makes the suffix far older than the citrus fruits themselves, which came to English through Latin, where "citrus" referred to the citron tree. The surprising part is the shape of the word rather than its parts. Almost any noun in English can take "-y" to make an adjective of quality, so "citrusy" follows the same pattern as "grassy" or "woody." Its meaning follows the suffix exactly: something citrusy has the sharp, bright qualities of lemon or orange peel, whether in a scent or a taste.

Synonyms: tangy, zesty, fruity