nelumbo

noun

ne·​lum·​bo
-ləm(ˌ)bō
1
capitalized : a genus that includes large water lilies having flowers with 4 to 5 sepals, numerous petals, and the discrete carpels embedded in a fleshy receptacle and that is usually considered to constitute a subfamily of Nymphaeaceae but is sometimes isolated in a separate family
2
or nelumbium plural -s : any plant of the genus Nelumbo compare lotus sense 3

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Sinhalese neḷumbu, Indian lotus

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near nelumbo

Cite this Entry

“Nelumbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nelumbo. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!