Nectar
From Freepedia
Nectar may mean:
- Nectar source — in botany, the sugar-rich liquid produced by the flowers of plants in order to attract pollinating animals. It is also the principal raw ingredient of honey. The nectary is the gland that secretes nectar. It is usually located at the base of the flower, forcing pollinators to brush against the flower's reproductive structures to reach it. It is not a modified stamen. Nectar that is produced outside the flower is generally produced to attract predatory insects. They will eat both the nectar and any plant-eating insects around, thus functioning as 'bodyguards'. Some carnivorous plants will use nectar to lure prey insects into the trap organs of the plant.
- Nectar loyalty card — a loyalty card scheme issued by a partnership of UK retailers, including supermarket chain Sainsburys.
- Nectar and ambrosia — the food of the gods in Greek mythology. It is believed that the two terms were not originally distinguished—though in Homer's poems and later works, nectar is the drink and ambrosia the food. On the other hand, in Alcman nectar is the food, and in Sappho and Anaxandrides ambrosia the drink. Each is used in Homer as an unguent (Iliad, xiv. 170; xix. 38). Both are fragrant, and maybe used as perfume. According to W. H. Röscher (Nektar und Ambrosia, 1883; see also his article in Röscher's 'Lexikon der Mythologie) nectar and ambrosia were originally only different forms of the same substance - honey, regarded as a dew, like manna, fallen from heaven, which was used both as food and drink. See also Ichor, mead. Nectar is also mentioned in Hindu mythology, specifically in the Upanishads and the Puranas.
