nectary

[ nek-tuh-ree ]

/ ˈnɛk tə ri /

noun, plural nec·ta·ries.

Botany. an organ or part that secretes nectar.

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

Nearby words

nectariferous, nectarine, nectarivorous, nectarize, nectarous, nectary, nectopod, ned, nedc, nedda, neddy

Origin of nectary

From the New Latin word nectarium, dating back to 1590–1600. See nectar, -y³

Related formsnec·ta·ried, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for nectary

Her own food has been honey drawn from the nectary of a flower.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. I (of 4)|William Kirby
Smaller insects might creep into the nectary and sip without the intended fulfilment.
My Studio Neighbors|William Hamilton Gibson
The flowers expand, and a set of vessels pour into the cup or nectary a minute portion of honey.
Mysteries of Bee-keeping Explained|M. Quinby
When the colour is absent from only one of the two upper petals, the nectary is not quite aborted but is much shortened.
On the Origin of Species|Charles Darwin

Stamens 5, inserted on the nectary, and alternating with the lobes of the latter.
The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines|T. H. Pardo de Tavera

British Dictionary definitions for nectary

nectary

/ (ˈnɛktərɪ) /

noun plural -ries

any of various glandular structures secreting nectar that occur in the flowers, leaves, stipules, etc, of a plant

any of the abdominal tubes in aphids through which honeydew is secreted

Derived Formsnectarial (nɛkˈtɛərɪəl), adjective

Word Origin for nectary

C18: from New Latin nectarium, from nectar

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