nectar
[ nek-ter ]
/ ˈnɛk tər /
noun
the saccharine secretion of a plant, which attracts the insects or birds that pollinate the flower.
the juice of a fruit, especially when not diluted, or a blend of fruit juices: pear nectar; tropical nectar.
any delicious drink.
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Nearby words
Origin of nectar
1545–55; < Latin < Greek néktar
Related formsnec·tar·like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for nectar
British Dictionary definitions for nectar
nectar
/ (ˈnɛktə) /
noun
a sugary fluid produced in the nectaries of plants and collected by bees and other animals
any delicious drink, esp a sweet one
something very pleasant or welcomeyour words are nectar to me
mainly US
- the undiluted juice of a fruit
- a mixture of fruit juices
Derived Formsnectareous (nɛkˈtɛərɪəs) or nectarous, adjective
Word Origin for nectar
C16: via Latin from Greek néktar, perhaps nek- death (related to nekros corpse) + -tar, related to Sanskrit tarati he overcomes; compare Latin nex death and trans across
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for nectar
nectar
1550s, from Latin nectar, from Greek nektar, name of the drink of the gods, which is said to be a compound of nek- "death" (see necro-) + -tar "overcoming," from PIE *tere- "to cross over, pass through, overcome." Meaning "sweet liquid in flowers" first recorded c.1600.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for nectar
nectar
[ nĕk′tər ]
A sweet liquid secreted by plants as food to attract animals that will benefit them. Many flowers produce nectar to attract pollinating insects, birds, and bats. Bees collect nectar to make into honey. Nectar is produced in structures called nectaries. Some plants have nectaries located elsewhere, outside the flower. These provide a food source for animals such as ants which in turn defend the plant from harmful insects. Nectar consists primarily of water and varying concentrations of many different sugars, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.