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DictionarynaiadWater nymph
noun

naiad

NYE-ad/ˈnaɪæd/

A freshwater nymph in classical mythology.

A naiad emerges from a rocky spring in flowing classical drapery.

A Greek freshwater nymph emerges from a small rocky spring, her human figure and flowing classical drapery joining the stream at its source.
Etymology
naiadGreekriver nymph

Greek Naias named a river nymph and derived from naiein, 'to flow.' The name thus connects these female deities directly with the springs and streams over which they presided.

More examples

  • In the myth, a naiad guards the village spring.
  • The poet imagines naiads dancing along the riverbank.
  • The statue depicts a naiad beside a flowing fountain.

Forms

naiad · naiads · naiades

Similar words

nymph
A broader term for mythological spirits of many natural places.
water nymph
May inhabit any body of water, not only fresh water.