Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - eros

 noun  Etymology: Greek Eros, from eros sexual love; akin to Greek erasthai to love, desire  Date: 14th century  1. the Greek god of erotic love — compare Cupid  2. the sum of life-preserving instincts that are manifested as impulses to gratify basic needs, as sublimated impulses, and as impulses to protect and preserve the body and mind — compare death instinct  3.  a. love conceived in the philosophy of Plato as a fundamental creative impulse having a sensual element  b. often not capitalized erotic love or desire