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noun Uncommon

Lotus

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Lotus (noun) means a water lily, especially the sacred lotus, prized in many cultures for its flower that rises clean from muddy water. Example: “Monks often use the lotus as a symbol of purity and enlightenment.”

noun
1
A water lily, especially the sacred lotus, prized in many cultures for its flower that rises clean from muddy water.
"Monks often use the lotus as a symbol of purity and enlightenment."
"Pink lotus flowers covered the surface of the temple pond."
name
1
A British sports-car manufacturer.
"Lotus built several of the most famous Formula 1 cars of the 1960s and 70s."

How to use Lotus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBest known as a flowering water plant with deep symbolic meaning in many Asian traditions, and separately as a British car brand.

Common pairings
lotus flower lotus position Lotus car
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Monks often use the _____ as a symbol of purity and enlightenment.

Etymology

Lotus is an unadapted borrowing from Latin lōtus, itself from Ancient Greek λωτός (lōtós); it is a doublet of lote, first recorded in the 1540s, and traces back ultimately to Hebrew לוֹט (lōṭ, "myrrh", literally "covering, envelope").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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water lily

Rhymes for Lotus

POTUS SCOTUS
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Frequently asked questions

What does “Lotus” mean?
The word “Lotus” means a water lily, especially the sacred lotus, prized in many cultures for its flower that rises clean from muddy water. In plain terms, best known as a flowering water plant with deep symbolic meaning in many Asian traditions, and separately as a British car brand.
How do you use “Lotus” in a sentence?
Here is “Lotus” used in a sentence: “Monks often use the lotus as a symbol of purity and enlightenment.”
What part of speech is “Lotus”?
Depending on how it is used, “Lotus” can be a noun and a name.
Is “Lotus” a common word?
“Lotus” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Lotus” have?
“Lotus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a water lily, especially the sacred lotus, prized in many cultures for its flower that rises clean from muddy water.
Is "Lotus" capitalized differently depending on whether it means the flower or the car brand?
As a common flower name, "lotus" is typically lowercase, while as the name of the British sports-car manufacturer, "Lotus" is capitalized because it is a proper noun. Context makes clear which sense is meant.
What is the difference between a lotus and a water lily?
The sacred lotus is a specific type of water lily, prized across many cultures for a flower that rises clean out of muddy water. "Water lily" is the broader category, and "lotus" refers to particular species within it.
Why is the lotus flower significant in many cultures?
The lotus is prized because its flower emerges clean and unblemished from muddy water, a quality that has made it a valued symbol in art and tradition across many cultures.