nectary

noun

nec·​tary ˈnek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce nectary (audio)
plural nectaries
: a plant gland that secretes nectar

Examples of nectary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Oregano Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum Planting Time: Late spring, after threat of frost has passed The nectaries of oregano blooms are a little larger than those of cilantro and sweet alyssum and thus attract larger insects such as honeybees, native bees, and syrphid (flower) flies. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024 But other plants produce different types of nectar glands called extrafloral nectaries. Jacob S. Suissa, The Conversation, 20 June 2024 In these cases, nectaries may not always be within a flower. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 10 Mar. 2023 The nectaries on borage refill far more quickly than those of many other species, meaning that there is more nectar to go around. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 10 Mar. 2023 Some plants produce greater quantities of nectar than others, while in some, nectar in their nectaries is replenished more quickly. Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 10 Mar. 2023 Saint-Nectaire—meaning nectary after its aroma—is one of five cheeses that can only be made in the Avergne region, according to France’s Appellation d’Origine Protégée regulations. Theresa MacHemer, Smithsonian, 22 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nectary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin nectarium, irregular from Latin nectar + -arium -ary

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nectary was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near nectary

Cite this Entry

“Nectary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nectary. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

nectary

noun
nec·​tary ˈnek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce nectary (audio)
plural nectaries
: a plant gland that secretes nectar

More from Merriam-Webster on nectary

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