nectar

[ nek-ter ]

noun

1. the saccharine secretion of a plant, which attracts the insects or birds that pollinate the flower.
2. the juice of a fruit, especially when not diluted, or a blend of fruit juices:

   pear nectar; tropical nectar.

3. Classical Mythology. the life-giving drink of the gods. Compare ambrosia ( def 1 ).
4. any delicious drink.

nectar

/ nɛkˈtɛərɪəs; ˈnɛktə /

noun

1. a sugary fluid produced in the nectaries of plants and collected by bees and other animals
2. classical myth the drink of the gods Compare ambrosia
3. any delicious drink, esp a sweet one
4. something very pleasant or welcome

   your words are nectar to me

5. 1. the undiluted juice of a fruit
   2. a mixture of fruit juices

nectar

/ nĕk′tər /

1. 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.

Derived Forms

• nectareous, adjective

Other Words From

• nectar·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nectar¹

1545–55; < Latin < Greek néktar

Word History and Origins

Origin of nectar¹

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

Example Sentences

You can practically taste the sweet nectar of Middle East peace generated by that decision.

From Los Angeles Times

In 10 to 12 days, adults surface to feast for roughly 90 days on honeydew melon, decaying fruit, plant nectar and bird dung.

From Los Angeles Times

This time of year, bees can be more aggressive because the nectar in their hives can dry up.

From Los Angeles Times

A nectar source can also act as a feed for caterpillars.

From BBC

"This suggests that what we are seeing is an effect of weather on the flowering plants that bees depend on for pollen and nectar, and this in turn affects the bees."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• honey