nectary

American  

[nek-tuh-ree] / ˈnɛk tə ri /

noun

plural

nectaries

1. Botany. an organ or part that secretes nectar.

2. Entomology. a cornicle (formerly thought to secrete honeydew).

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nectary British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nectarial adjective
• nectaried adjective

Etymology

Origin of nectary

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

Example Sentences

The nectary is about the length of a bumblebee's tongue, and is, moreover, so amply expanded at the throat below the stigma as to comfortably admit its wedge-shaped head.

From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton

Stamens 15, inserted on the border of the nectary by threes, forming a triangle.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

Nectā′rial; Nectarif′erous, producing nectar or honey: having a nectary; Nec′tarine, sweet as nectar.—n. a variety of peach with a smooth fruit.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Its nectary tube is five inches in length, and as slender as a knitting-needle.

From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton

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

From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton