GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions 

  1.       

    Naiad , n. [L. naias, -adis, naïs, -idis, a water nymph, Gr ναϊάς, ναΐς, fr. νάειν to flow: cf. F. naïade. Cf. Naid.]
    1.  (Myth.) A water nymph; one of the lower female divinities, fabled to preside over some body of fresh water, as a lake, river, brook, or fountain.
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    2. (Zool.) Any species of a tribe (Naiades) of freshwater bivalves, including Unio, Anodonta, and numerous allied genera; a river mussel.
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    3. (Zool) One of a group of butterflies. See Nymph.
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    4. (Bot.) Any plant of the order Naiadaceae, such as eelgrass, pondweed, etc.
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  2.       

    nymph , n. [L. nympha nymph, bride, young woman, Gr. νύμφη: cf. F. nymphe. Cf. Nuptial.]
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    1. (Class. Myth.) A goddess of the mountains, forests, meadows, or waters.
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      Where were ye, nymphs, when the remorseless deep
      Closed o'er the head of your loved Lycidas?
      Milton.

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    2. Hence: A lovely young girl; a maiden; a damsel.
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      Nymph, in thy orisons
      Be all my sins remembered.
      Shak.

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    3. (Zool.) The pupa of an insect; a chrysalis.
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    4. (Zool.) Any one of a subfamily (Najades) of butterflies including the purples, the fritillaries, the peacock butterfly, etc.; -- called also naiad.
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