citronellal

[ si-truh-nel-al, -uh l ]
/ ˌsɪ trəˈnɛl æl, -əl /

noun

a colorless, slightly water-soluble liquid mixture of isometric aldehydes having the formula C10H18O, with a strong lemonlike odor, occurring in many essential oils, usually derived from lemon, citronella oil, and other oils: used chiefly as a flavoring agent and in the manufacture of perfume.

Origin of citronellal

First recorded in 1890–95; citronell(a) + -al3

British Dictionary definitions for citronellal

citronellal
/ (ˌsɪtrəˈnɛlæl) /

noun

a colourless slightly water-soluble liquid with a lemon-like odour, a terpene aldehyde found esp in citronella and certain eucalyptus oils: used as a flavouring and in soaps and perfumes. Formula: (CH 3) 2 C:CH(CH 2) 2 CH(CH 3)CH 2 CHO Also called: rhodinal