Sacred Lotus
/ˈseɪ.krɪd ˈloʊ.təs/noun
A water lily, especially Nelumbo nucifera, revered in several Asian religious and cultural traditions.
Did you know?In Hindu and Buddhist imagery, deities and enlightened figures are frequently depicted seated on the lotus, whose rise from murky water became a symbol of spiritual awakening.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sak-
“To make sacred, set apart, or establish by ritual”
Ancient Latin
Latin
sacer
“Sacred, holy, or dedicated to a deity; in some contexts, accursed or taboo”
Old French
Old French
sacré
“Holy or consecrated”
Middle English
English
sacred
“Holy, hallowed, or dedicated to religious use”
Ancient Greek
Greek
lōtos
“A lotus plant or water lily; the term was also used for several unrelated plants”
Modern English
English
sacred lotus
“The revered Asian lotus, especially Nelumbo nucifera”