Lotus

English Meaning

A name of several kinds of water lilies; as Nelumbium speciosum, used in religious ceremonies, anciently in Egypt, and to this day in Asia; Nelumbium luteum, the American lotus; and Nymphæa Lotus and N. cærulea, the respectively white- flowered and blue-flowered lotus of modern Egypt, which, with Nelumbium speciosum, are figured on its ancient monuments.

1. 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.
2. The edible seed, leaf, or rhizome of this plant.
3. Any of several similar or related plants, such as the water lilies Nymphaea caerula or N. lotus.
4. A representation of any of various lotuses or similar plants in Egyptian or classical sculpture, architecture, or art.
5. Any of several leguminous plants of the genus Lotus.
6. Greek Mythology A small Mediterranean tree or shrub whose fruit was eaten by the lotus-eaters.
7. Greek Mythology The fruit of this plant.