Definition

A type of grass that has a lemon scent and is used to make oil for perfumes and insect repellents.

Example

The citronella oil in the candle helps keep mosquitoes away during the summer.

Conversation

Have you ever tried using citronella oil for the bugs in the garden?

Yeah, I used it last summer, and it worked pretty well!

I want to get some for our next barbecue to keep the mosquitoes away.

That's a great idea; it smells nice too!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Citronella is derived from the French word 'citronelle', which comes from 'citron' (meaning lemon) and the diminutive suffix '-elle'. The term refers to a plant that has a lemon-like scent, hence its association with lemon.

Memory Tip

Think of 'citron' meaning lemon, and the '-elle' indicating a smaller or related form. This helps you remember that citronella is a plant related to lemon.

Visually Confused Words