Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for Nectar (-s)
nectar (-s), n. [L. < Gk. νέκταρ, overcoming of death; drink of the gods.]
- Victory cup; celebration drink; triumph toast for saluting a supreme accomplishment; [fig.] liquid that conquers death; [metaphor] resurrection; immortality; godly life; life after death.
- Dew; attar; ambrosia; source of pollen; gathering of sweet substance; sweet fluid that flowers produce; [fig.] kiss; capacity for pleasure; source of affection; opportunity for love's delights.
- Honey; food made from pollen; [fig.] wine; sweet drink; pleasant-tasting fluid; [fig.] intoxicant; inebriant; alcoholic beverage; fermented substance; [metaphor] heavenly messenger; angel of death; [word play on “dead”] mortality; life on earth; [play on the etymology of “nectar”] salvation; eternal life; the plan of the Deathless One; the ironic intervention of He who overcomes death.
- Pleasure; delight; sweetness; [fig.] productive interchange; good experience; mutual bliss; romantic encounter; acts of love.
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