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