Word Study
lotus
CIDE DICTIONARY
lotus, n. [L. lotus, Gr. lwto`s. Cf. Lote.].
- 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; andNymphæa Lotus andNymphæa cærulea , the respectively white-flowered and blue-flowered lotus of modern Egypt, which, withNelumbium speciosum , are figured on its ancient monuments. [1913 Webster] - An ornament much used in Egyptian architecture, generally asserted to have been suggested by the Egyptian water lily. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
lotus, n.
1 (in Greek mythology) a legendary plant inducing luxurious languor when eaten.
2 a any water lily of the genus Nelumbo, esp. N. nucifera of India, with large pink flowers. b this flower used symbolically in Hinduism and Buddhism.
3 an Egyptian water lily, Nymphaea lotus, with white flowers.
4 any plant of the genus Lotus, e.g. bird's foot trefoil.
1 (in Greek mythology) a legendary plant inducing luxurious languor when eaten.
2 a any water lily of the genus Nelumbo, esp. N. nucifera of India, with large pink flowers. b this flower used symbolically in Hinduism and Buddhism.
3 an Egyptian water lily, Nymphaea lotus, with white flowers.
4 any plant of the genus Lotus, e.g. bird's foot trefoil.
Idiom
lotus-eater a person given to indolent enjoyment. lotus-land a place of indolent enjoyment. lotus position a cross-legged position of meditation with the feet resting on the thighs.
Etymology
L f. Gk lotos, of Semitic orig.
For further exploring for "lotus" in Webster Dictionary Online