citronellal

noun

cit·​ro·​nel·​lal ˌsi-trə-ˈne-ˌlal How to pronounce citronellal (audio)
: a lemon-odored aldehyde C10H18O that is derived especially from citronella oil and is used in perfumery and as an insect repellent

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin citronella

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of citronellal was in 1890

Rhymes for citronellal

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Browse Nearby Words

citronella
citronellal
citronelle
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Cite this Entry

“Citronellal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/citronellal. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

citronellal

noun
cit·​ro·​nel·​lal -ˈnel-ˌal How to pronounce citronellal (audio)
: an aldehyde C10H18O with a lemony odor that is obtained especially from citronella oil and that is used in perfumery and as an insect repellent

More from Merriam-Webster on citronellal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citronellal

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