Main Entry: Eros

Pronunciation: \ˈer-ˌäs, ˈir-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Greek Erōs, from erōs sexual love; akin to Greek erasthai to love, desire

Date: 14th century

1 : the Greek god of erotic love — compare cupid
2 : the sum of life-preserving instincts that are manifested as impulses to gratify basic needs, as sublimated impulses, and as impulses to protect and preserve the body and mind — compare death instinct
3 a : love conceived by Plato as a fundamental creative impulse having a sensual element b often not capitalized : erotic love or desire