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

To attract vital pollinators, males ooze nectar among the nubbins.

From Science News For Students

Sometimes these and other bumblebees don’t grope for nectar through the natural openings of flowers.

From Science News For Students

These animals probably don’t binge on sugary fruit and nectar that creates ethanol.

From Science News For Students

Like honeybee workers, bumblebee workers collect pollen and nectar.

From Science News For Students

To get enough energy, Minecraft bees would need a lot of nectar, Combes says.

From Science News For Students

Legend has it that Alexander the Great enjoyed ancient sno-cones as well; his were flavored with honey and nectar.

From The Daily Beast

It gives the experience of the sweetest nectar of life, pure bliss consciousness.

From The Daily Beast

Another choice is agave nectar, made from a type of cactus that grows in Mexico (yes, tequila fans, that cactus).

From The Daily Beast

Then, as if succumbing to the charms of its nectar, the novel becomes more extravagant as it progresses.

From The Daily Beast

Honey, which is produced by honeybees harvesting nectar from flowers, does a lot to encourage sexuality.

From The Daily Beast

At least ten men be sides Gwynne were hovering about Dolly Boutts, like humming-birds about the nectar of a full-blown rose.

From Project Gutenberg

The nectar of the gods pales into nothingness when compared with a toddy such as I make, said he.

From Project Gutenberg

The gods themselves were fed on nectar and ambrosia, that they might not die like ordinary mortals.

From Project Gutenberg

Mary's eyes were fastened on the silver cups; were they brimmed with nectar of the old Greek gods that they should charm her so?

From Project Gutenberg

Thatcher has filled me amply with expensive urban food in this sylvan retreat—nectar and ambrosia.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• honey