This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
nectar
[ nek-ter ]
/ ˈnɛk tər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Origin of nectar
1545–55; <Latin <Greek néktar
OTHER WORDS FROM nectar
nec·tar·like, adjectiveWords nearby nectar
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use nectar in a sentence
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 forms of nectar
nectareous (nɛkˈtɛərɪəs) or nectarous, adjectiveWord 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
Scientific 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.