GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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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.]
    (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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   (Zool.) Any species of a tribe (Naiades) of freshwater bivalves, including Unio, Anodonta, and numerous allied genera; a river mussel.
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   (Zool) One of a group of butterflies. See Nymph.
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   (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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   (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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   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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   (Zool.) The pupa of an insect; a chrysalis.
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   (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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