nectary

[ nek-tuh-ree ]

noun

, plural nec·ta·ries.

1. Botany. an organ or part that secretes nectar.
2. Entomology. a cornicle (formerly thought to secrete honeydew).

nectary

/ ˈnɛktərɪ; nɛkˈtɛərɪəl /

noun

1. any of various glandular structures secreting nectar that occur in the flowers, leaves, stipules, etc, of a plant
2. any of the abdominal tubes in aphids through which honeydew is secreted

Derived Forms

• nectarial, adjective

Other Words From

• necta·ried adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nectary¹

From the New Latin word nectarium, dating back to 1590–1600. See nectar, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of nectary¹

C18: from New Latin nectarium, from nectar

Example Sentences

Hence even the thin nectary is essentially, I infer, tripartite; hence its tendency to bifurcation at its top.

From Project Gutenberg

But oddest of all is the crown of five-hooded nectaries above the corolla, each nectary enclosing an incurved horn.

From Project Gutenberg

Nectary a cylindrical tube attached to the corolla for half its length, mouth 10-toothed, containing 10 sessile anthers.

From Project Gutenberg

Anthers equal in number to the teeth of the nectary and inserted between them.

From Project Gutenberg

Smaller insects might creep into the nectary and sip without the intended fulfilment.

From Project Gutenberg