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DictionaryRoot: dryas
Greek

dryas

wood nymph

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A female wood nymph emerges from a living oak, her lower body visibly continuous with the trunk and her fingers becoming leafy twigs, making the spirit's dwelling within the tree unmistakable.
noun

dryad

DRY-ad/ˈdraɪæd/

A tree or forest spirit in mythology.

Etymology
dryadGreekwood nymph

Greek dryas meant a wood nymph and came from drus, “oak.” The name connects the mythical being specifically with trees, matching its identity as a tree-dwelling spirit.

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