lotus

lo•tus

[[t]ˈloʊ təs[/t]] n. pl. -tus•es

1) pln a plant believed to be a jujube or elm and referred to in Greek legend as yielding a fruit that induced a state of dreamy and contented forgetfulness in those who ate it

2) pln the fruit of this plant

3) pln any aquatic plant of the genus Nelumbo, of the water lily family, having shieldlike leaves and showy, solitary flowers usu. projecting above the water

4) pln any of several water lilies of the genus

Nymphaea[/ex]

5) a decorative motif derived from such a plant and used widely in ancient art

6) pln any shrubby plant of the genus Lotus, of the legume family, having red, pink, yellow, or white flowers

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Etymology: 1530–40; < L lōtus < Gk lōtós