ETYM Latin lotus, Greek lotos. Related to Lote.
(Irregular plural: lotuses).
1. Native to eastern Asia; widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers; SYN. Indian lotus, sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera.
2. White Egyptian lotus: water lily of Egypt to southeastern Africa; held sacred by the Egyptians; SYN. white lotus, Egyptian water lily, white lily, Nymphaea lotus.
Annual or perennial herbs or subshrubs; Also called: genus Lotus.