Definition of "citronella" [citronella]

• A tropical Asian grass (Cymbopogon nardus) having bluish-green, lemon-scented leaves and an essential oil. (noun)
• A pale yellow to brownish aromatic oil obtained from this plant, used chiefly in perfumery and also in some insect repellents and commercial flavorings. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Lemongrass aka citronella is a natural deterent for mosquitoes."
• "I've used Q-Tips soaked in citronella oil used in lamps."
• "Unlike other spray collars that traditionally contain liquids such as citronella, which can interfere with the dog's necessary sense of smell, JetCare® System cold spray training and anti-bark collar for dogs contains only an inert cold spray that is completely odorless and harmless to the dog."