Search Dictionary
Definition of citric

citric

/ˈsɪt.ɹɪk/
cit · ric
JUMP TO:

citric Lexical Profile

citric Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to or derived from citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, or oranges, especially with reference to their characteristic organic acid.

Example

"The food manufacturer added a small amount of citric acid to preserve the freshness and tartness of the fruit jam."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for citric

Word Nuance & Usage

In everyday usage, 'citric' appears almost exclusively in chemical and culinary terms such as 'citric acid', whereas 'citrusy' is preferred when describing a tart, fruit-like flavor or aroma.

• Rhymes for citric

• Nearby Words

citizenry
citizenship
citrange
citric
citrine
citron
citronella

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from French 'citrique', formed from Latin 'citrus' (the citron tree), which was introduced when chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele isolated citric acid from lemon juice in 1784.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Citric. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/citric
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.