noun
naiad
An immature insect that lives in water before becoming an adult.
A dragonfly naiad hides among the plants in the pond.
Etymology
The biological term borrows the name of a mythological water nymph. It applies that aquatic association to the water-dwelling immature stage of certain insects.
More examples
- Dragonfly naiads catch and eat mosquito larvae.
- The mayfly naiad breathes through gills along its abdomen.
- We found several stonefly naiads beneath rocks in the stream.
Forms
naiad · naiads · naiades