nec
tar
Plural
nectars
1
a sweet, liquid substance produced by flowers and used by insects as a source of energy
Nectar is a sugary fluid produced by flowering plants, primarily to attract pollinators such as insects, birds, and bats. It is usually found within specialized structures called nectaries, located either within the flowers themselves or on other parts of the plant. Nectar provides a valuable energy source for pollinators, who consume it as they visit flowers in search of food. In return, pollinators unintentionally transfer pollen between flowers, facilitating the process of pollination and subsequent fertilization. Nectar composition can vary among plant species but generally consists of water, sugars, such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose, and small amounts of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
- She carefully collected the nectar from the blooming flowers to make a delicious homemade honey.
- They watched as the bees buzzed around, sipping the nectar from the colorful blossoms.
2
(classical mythology) the food and drink of the gods; mortals who ate it became immortal
Synonyms:
3
the sweet juice from fruits, often undiluted and pure
- At the farmers' market, they handed out samples of pure peach nectar that tasted like a slice of summer.
- For breakfast, he always chose pure apple nectar instead of mixed fruit juices.
- Their brand of nectar is popular because it contains no added sugars; it's just pure fruit juice.