lotus

(lōt′əs)

noun

Gr. Legend
1. a fruit that was supposed to induce a dreamy languor and forgetfulness
2. the plant bearing this fruit, variously supposed to be the date, the jujube, etc.
any of various waterlilies, esp. the (Nymphaea lotus), once sacred in Egypt, or the pink or white Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), used as a religious symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism
a representation of any of these plants in ancient, esp. Egyptian, sculpture and architecture
any of a genus (Lotus) of plants of the pea family, with irregular, pinnate leaves and yellow, purple, or white flowers

Origin: L < Gr lōtos < Heb lōṭ

Also sp. lotos

See lotus in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also lo·tos

noun

a. An aquatic plant (Nelumbo nucifera) native to southern Asia and Australia, having large leaves, fragrant, pinkish flowers, a broad, rounded, perforated seedpod, and fleshy rhizomes.
b. The edible seed, leaf, or rhizome of this plant.
c. Any of several similar or related plants, such as the water lilies Nymphaea caerula or N. lotus.
A representation of any of various lotuses or similar plants in Egyptian or classical sculpture, architecture, or art.
Any of several leguminous plants of the genus Lotus.
Greek Mythology
a. A small Mediterranean tree or shrub whose fruit was eaten by the lotus-eaters.
b. The fruit of this plant.