'nymph' definitions:
Definition of 'nymph'
(from WordNet)
noun
(classical mythology) a minor nature goddess usually depicted as a beautiful maiden; "the ancient Greeks believed that nymphs inhabited forests and bodies of water"
noun
A larva of an insect with incomplete metamorphosis (as the dragonfly or mayfly)
noun
A voluptuously beautiful young woman [syn: nymph, houri]
Definition of 'nymph'
From: GCIDE
- nymph \nymph\ (n[i^]mf), n. [L. nympha nymph, bride, young woman, Gr. ny`mfh: cf. F. nymphe. Cf. Nuptial.] [1913 Webster]
- 1. (Class. Myth.) A goddess of the mountains, forests, meadows, or waters. [1913 Webster]
- Where were ye, nymphs, when the remorseless deep Closed o'er the head of your loved Lycidas? --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Hence: A lovely young girl; a maiden; a damsel. [1913 Webster]
- Nymph, in thy orisons Be all my sins remembered. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Zool.) The pupa of an insect; a chrysalis. [1913 Webster]
- 4. (Zool.) Any one of a subfamily (Najades) of butterflies including the purples, the fritillaries, the peacock butterfly, etc.; -- called also naiad. [1913 Webster]