nectar
[nek-ter]
- 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.
- Classical Mythology. the life-giving drink of the gods.Compare ambrosia(def 1).
- any delicious drink.
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Origin of nectar
1545–55; < Latin < Greek néktar
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for nectar
Contemporary Examples
Legend has it that Alexander the Great enjoyed ancient sno-cones as well; his were flavored with honey and nectar.
Then, as if succumbing to the charms of its nectar, the novel becomes more extravagant as it progresses.
Historical Examples
This ape has eaten the peaches, has drunk the nectar and also swallowed the pills of life.
The Chinese Fairy BookVarious
With that they took the first swallow of the nectar that Lub had brewed.
Phil Bradley's Mountain BoysSilas K. Boone
It was nectar when we came to taste it It was of the kingliest, the most imperial.'
Despair's Last JourneyDavid Christie Murray
It was nectar—it was happiness—it was life—though he could have drunk ten times the amount!
The Long RollMary Johnston
Even the honey on Mount Athos satisfieth not; and nectar leaveth its void.
Sir LudarTalbot Baines Reed
nectar
- a sugary fluid produced in the nectaries of plants and collected by bees and other animals
- classical myth the drink of the godsCompare ambrosia (def. 1)
- 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
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Word Origin
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
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Word Origin and History for nectar
n.
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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