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naiad

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Naiad

Main Entry:: na·iad
Pronunciation:: \ˈnā-əd, ˈnī-, -ˌad\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural na·iads or na·ia·des \-ə-ˌdēz\
Etymology:: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French naïade, from Latin naiad-, naias, from Greek, from nan to flow — more at nourish
Date:: 14th century

1 : any of the nymphs in classical mythology living in and giving life to lakes, rivers, springs, and fountains 2 : an aquatic insect nymph (as of a mayfly, dragonfly, damselfly, or stone fly) 3 : any of a genus (Najas of the family Najadaceae) of submerged aquatic plants

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