nectar
[ nek-ter ]
/ ˈnɛk tər /
noun
the saccharine secretion of a plant, which attracts the insects or birds that pollinate the flower.
the juice of a fruit, especially when not diluted, or a blend of fruit juices: pear nectar; tropical nectar.
any delicious drink.
Origin of nectar
1545–55; < Latin < Greek
néktar
OTHER WORDS FROM nectar
nec·tar·like, adjectiveWords nearby nectar
Example sentences from the Web for nectar
British Dictionary definitions for nectar
nectar
/ (ˈnɛktə) /
noun
a sugary fluid produced in the nectaries of plants and collected by bees and other animals
any delicious drink, esp a sweet one
something very pleasant or welcome
your words are nectar to me
mainly US
- the undiluted juice of a fruit
- a mixture of fruit juices
Derived forms of nectar
nectareous (nɛkˈtɛərɪəs) or nectarous, adjectiveWord Origin for nectar
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
Scientific definitions for nectar
nectar
[ nĕk′tər ]
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.