cit·ro·nel·la (s t r -n l )n. 1. A tropical Asian grass (Cymbopogon nardus) having bluish-green, lemon-scented leaves and an essential oil. 2. A pale yellow to brownish aromatic oil obtained from this plant, used chiefly in perfumery and also in some insect repellents and commercial flavorings. [New Latin, from French citronnelle, lemon oil, diminutive of citron, citron; see citron.] |
citronella [ˌsɪtrəˈnɛlə]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) Also called citronella grass a tropical Asian grass, Cymbopogon (or Andropogon) nardus, with bluish-green lemon-scented leaves
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) Also called citronella oil the yellow aromatic oil obtained from this grass, used in insect repellents, soaps, perfumes, etc.
[New Latin, from French citronnelle lemon balm, from citron lemon]
| citronella (str-nl) The pale-yellow, lemon-scented oil obtained from the leaves of a tropical Asian grass (Cymbopogon nardus), used in insect repellents and perfumes. Citronella consists primarily of an aldehyde of octane. |
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