lotus

[ loh-tuhs ]

noun

, plural lo·tus·es.

1. a plant believed to be a jujube or elm, referred to in Greek legend as yielding a fruit that induced a state of dreamy and contented forgetfulness in those who ate it.
2. the fruit itself.
3. any aquatic plant of the genus Nelumbo, of the water lily family, having shieldlike leaves and showy, solitary flowers usually projecting above the water.
4. any of several water lilies of the genus Nymphaea.
5. a decorative motif derived from such a plant and used widely in ancient art, as on the capitals of Egyptian columns.
6. any shrubby plant of the genus Lotus, of the legume family, having red, pink, yellow, or white flowers.

lotus

/ ˈləʊtəs /

noun

1. (in Greek mythology) a fruit that induces forgetfulness and a dreamy languor in those who eat it
2. the plant bearing this fruit, thought to be the jujube, the date, or any of various other plants
3. any of several water lilies of tropical Africa and Asia, esp the white lotus ( Nymphaea lotus ), which was regarded as sacred in ancient Egypt
4. a similar plant, Nelumbo nucifera, which is the sacred lotus of India, China, and Tibet and also sacred in Egypt: family Nelumbonaceae
5. a representation of such a plant, common in Hindu, Buddhist, and ancient Egyptian carving and decorative art
6. any leguminous plant of the genus Lotus, of the Old World and North America, having yellow, pink, or white pealike flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of lotus¹

1530–40; < Latin lōtus, lōtos < Greek lōtós the lotus plant, perhaps of Semitic origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of lotus¹

C16: via Latin from Greek lōtos, from Semitic; related to Hebrew lōt myrrh

Example Sentences

Sitting atop a lotus, the Hindu goddess of wisdom holds a book, prayer beads and a classical instrument called a veena in her four hands.

From BBC

Let’s talk about the title of the album, which speaks to your own personal experience of figuratively getting out of the mud and blossoming into a beautiful lotus as well as your spirituality.

From Los Angeles Times

Best known for his use of lotus and peacock motifs, Bal used rich fabrics like velvet and brocade - his designs were elaborate, inspired by Indian grandeur and royalty.

From BBC

He pointed to a lotus flower emblazoned on the red shirt and explained that “Kamala” means “lotus” in Sanskrit.

From Los Angeles Times

Known as makhanas, fox nuts or lotus seeds, they are prized for their nutritional value, being high in B vitamins, protein and fibre, with some touting them as a superfood.

From BBC