lotus

lotus [lōt′əs]

n.

[L < Gr lōtos < Heb lōṭ]

1. Gr. Legend

a) a fruit that was supposed to induce a dreamy languor and forgetfulness

b) the plant bearing this fruit, variously supposed to be the date, the jujube, etc.

2. any of various waterlilies, esp. the white lotus ( Nymphaea lotus), once sacred in Egypt, or the pink or white Asian lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera), used as a religious symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism

3. a representation of any of these plants in ancient, esp. Egyptian, sculpture and architecture

4. any of a genus (Lotus) of plants of the pea family, with irregular, pinnate leaves and yellow, purple, or white flowers: Also sp. lotos