Lewis & Short

† nectar, ăris, n., = νεκταρ, nectar, the drink of the gods.

  1. I. Lit.: non enim ambrosiā deos aut nectare … laetari, arbitror, Cic. Tusc. 1, 26, 65; cf. id. N. D. 1, 40, 112; Ov. M. 3, 318; 10, 161; 14, 606; Hor. C. 3, 3, 12; 34 al.: nectaris ambrosii sacrum potare lyaeum, Prud. ap. Symm. 1, 276; as balsam, Ov M. 4, 250; 252: siccato nectare Vulcanus, Juv. 13, 45.
  2. II. Poet. transf., of any thing sweet, pleasant, delicious, nectar.
    So of fragrant balm, Ov. M. 4, 250; 10, 732.
    Of honey: aliae (apes) purissima mella Stipant et liquido distendunt nectare cellas, Verg. G. 4, 164.
    Of milk: quid meruistis oves … pleno quae fertis in ubere nectar, Ov. M. 15, 116; cf., of bread and milk: Picentina Ceres niveo sic nectare crescit, Mart. 13, 47, 1.
    Of wine: vina novum fundam calathis Ariusia nectar, Verg. E. 5, 71; id. G. 4, 384; Ov. M. 1, 111: Baccheum, Stat. S. 2, 2, 99.
    Of a pleasant odor: et nardi florem, nectar qui naribus halat, Lucr. 2, 848.
    Hence, trop., of poetry: cantare credas Pegaseium nectar, Pers. prol. 14.