Main Entry: nymph

Pronunciation: \ˈnim(p)f\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English nimphe, from Middle French, from Latin nympha bride, nymph, from Greek nymphē — more at nuptial

Date: 14th century

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