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.

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

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.

Other Word Forms

• nectareous adjective
• nectarlike 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

Honeybees feed on pollen and nectar from flowers that contain the nutrients, including lipids called sterols that are necessary for their development.

From BBC

Bees are also showing signs of shutting down for the winter, after flowering plants finished producing pollen and nectar in the hot weather.

From BBC

Companies like Jubilee, nectar and Cut have built followings in the tens of millions across social media platforms with their unscripted content.

From Los Angeles Times

This luxurious pie is best made with peaches that nearly fall apart on the first bite — the kind with a heady fragrance and so much juice it’s impossible not to dribble nectar down your shirt.

From Salon

Butterflies love its flowers, especially in the winter when native nectar is scarce, and birds feast on its seeds.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• honey