English Reference

Word

citric

Phoneticscit·ric

US/ˈsɪtɹɪk/

UK/sˈɪtɹɪk/

Definition

adj. relating to or containing citric acid, which is the sour substance found in lemons and limes. It describes a sharp, acidic taste or smell.

adj. relating to or containing citric acid, a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits. Often used to describe the sour taste or the chemical properties of such substances.

Examples

“The drink has a strong citric flavor.”

“The chef added a squeeze of lemon to balance the sweetness of the dessert with a citric tang.”

“The chemical process involves the extraction of citric acid from fermented corn, which is then used as a preservative in various food and beverage products.”

Examples

simple

“The drink has a strong citric flavor.”

contextual

“The chef added a squeeze of lemon to balance the sweetness of the dessert with a citric tang.”

complex

“The chemical process involves the extraction of citric acid from fermented corn, which is then used as a preservative in various food and beverage products.”

Real-World Examples

“When you roast light, you’re preserving the citric and malic acids that give high-altitude Guatemalan lots their signature lime-like snap.”
coffeetinker.com · 7 Sept 2026

Etymology

From citrus + -ic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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English Reference