First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
nymph
noun \ˈnim(p)f\
in stories : a spirit in the shape of a young woman who lives in mountains, forests, meadows, and water
: a young insect that has almost the same form as the adult
Full Definition of NYMPH
1
: any of the minor divinities of nature in classical mythology represented as beautiful maidens dwelling in the mountains, forests, trees, and waters
2
: girl
3
: any of various immature insects; especially : a larva of an insect (as a grasshopper, true bug, or mayfly) with incomplete metamorphosis that differs from the imago especially in size and in its incompletely developed wings and genitalia
— nymph·al \ˈnim(p)-fəl\ adjective
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Origin of NYMPH
Middle English nimphe, from Middle French, from Latin nympha bride, nymph, from Greek nymphē — more at nuptial
Related to NYMPH
- Synonyms
- dryad, hamadryad, naiad, oread, wood nymph
NYMPH- Defined for Kids
nymph
noun \ˈnimf\
Definition of NYMPH for Kids
1
: one of many goddesses in old legends represented as beautiful young women living in the mountains, forests, and waters
2
: an immature insect that differs from the adult chiefly in being of smaller size and having undeveloped wings
Medical Dictionary
nymph
noun \ˈnim(p)f\
Medical Definition of NYMPH
1
: any of various hemimetabolous insects in an immature stage and especially a late larva (as of a true bug) in which rudiments of the wings and genitalia are present; broadly : any insect larva that differs chiefly in size and degree of differentiation from the imago
2
: a mite or tick in the first eight-legged form that immediately follows the last larval molt
3
: a nymphal stage in the life cycle of an insect or acarid
—nymph·al \ˈnim(p)-fəl\ adjective
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