lotus

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a large-flowered aquatic plant of the genus Nelumbo, especially the sacred lotus of Asia

   A pale lotus rose above the still water on a long stalk.

2. 2
   noun

   any of several water lilies traditionally called lotuses, especially the Egyptian lotus

   Ancient artists painted the blue lotus on the walls of the tomb.

Borrowed through Latin lotus from Greek lotos, a name applied by ancient writers to several plants and fruits. English continued that broad usage, applying lotus both to the sacred Nelumbo and to certain Nymphaea water lilies; this is why unrelated aquatic plants share the name.

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