noun
dryad
DRY-ad/ˈdraɪæd/
A tree or forest spirit in mythology.
In the myth, a dryad guards the ancient oak tree.
Etymology
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.
In context
some trees have a dryad and some trees don't although I believe that all trees have some sort of spiritual Essence to them
More examples
- The traveler asks a dryad for permission to gather branches.
- Dryads watch over the forest in this ancient tale.
- The poem describes a dryad mourning a fallen tree.
Forms
dryad · dryads
Similar words
- nymph
- A broader nature spirit, not necessarily associated with trees.
- hamadryad
- A tree spirit whose life is bound to one tree.