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

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

From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton

In several closely allied genera, as in Dielytra, &c., there are two perfect nectaries, the pistil is straight, and the hood slips off on either side, according as the bee sucks either nectary.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2) by Darwin, Charles

Angræcum, orchid of Madagascar, with nectary eleven inches long, 219.

From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton

Stamens 5, inserted on the nectary, and alternating with the lobes of the latter.

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

The nectary now drained of its sweets, the moth creeps or flutters to a second blossom, and its pollen-dusted body thus coming in contact with its stigma, cross-fertilization is accomplished.

From My Studio Neighbors by Gibson, William Hamilton