Nectar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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nectar
[ˈnɛktər ]
Definitions
sweet liquid
Nectar is a sweet liquid that is secreted by flowers, especially by the nectaries, and is collected by bees to make honey. It is often used to refer to the sweet liquid found in flowers that attracts pollinators.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nectar |
Nectar is ideal for describing the sweet liquid produced by flowers, often used in a botanical or scientific context.
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| honeydew |
Honeydew has two primary contexts: one is describing the sweet substance secreted by aphids and some other insects, and the other is referring to a type of melon fruit. It might not be as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to nectar.
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| ambrosia |
Ambrosia is often used in a mythological or poetic context to describe the food of the gods, symbolizing something exceptionally delicious and divine.
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Examples of usage
- The bees were busy collecting nectar from the flowers.
- The hummingbird drinks the nectar from the flowering plants.
delicious drink
Nectar can also refer to a delicious drink, especially one that is sweet and refreshing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nectar |
This term is often used to refer to the sweet liquid produced by flowers that attract pollinators such as bees. It can also be employed metaphorically to describe any exceptionally pleasant drink.
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| ambrosia |
Ambrosia is often used in a poetic or mythological context to refer to the food or drink of the gods, which conferred immortality. In more common usage, it can describe something exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell.
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| nectarous |
This adjective describes something that has the qualities of nectar, usually indicating it is sweet and delicious. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- She sipped the cold nectar on a hot summer day.
- The cocktail was a delightful blend of nectar and fruit juices.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Nectar is produced by flowers to attract pollinators, which helps plants reproduce.
- Different plants produce different types and amounts of nectar, influencing which animals visit them.
Culinary Uses
- Nectar is often used in beverages, syrups, and desserts due to its sweet flavor.
- Some tropical fruits, like mangoes and pineapples, are sometimes referred to as nectar due to their sweetness.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, nectar has been seen as a symbol of life and abundance, often appearing in art and literature.
- The term 'nectar' has appeared in poetry and songs, representing beauty and sweetness.
Beekeeping
- Bees collect nectar from flowers, which they convert into honey by evaporating water and adding enzymes.
- The type of nectar collected by bees influences the flavor and color of the honey.
Origin of 'nectar'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'nektar', which referred to the drink of the gods in mythology.
- In ancient Greek myths, nectar was believed to grant immortality to those who consumed it.
The word 'nectar' has its origins in Greek mythology, where it was the divine drink of the gods that provided immortality to those who consumed it. In botanical terms, nectar has been used to describe the sweet liquid found in flowers since ancient times.