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naiad

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noun na·iad \ ˈnā-əd , ˈnī- , -ˌad \

Definition of naiad

plural naiads or naiades play \ˈnā-ə-ˌdēz, ˈnī-\
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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Examples of naiad in a Sentence

  1. in Greek mythology, naiads supposedly drowned the young men with whom they became enamored

  2. students in science class learning how to distinguish a dragonfly naiad from an earthworm

Recent Examples of naiad from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'naiad.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of naiad

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French naïade, from Latin naiad-, naias, from Greek, from nan to flow — more at nourish

naiad Synonyms

Synonyms
dryad, hamadryad, nymph, oread, wood nymph
Related Words
mermaid, Nereid, Oceanid, sea-maid (or sea-maiden), siren, water nymph

NAIAD Defined for Kids

naiad

play
noun na·iad \ ˈnā-əd \

Definition of naiad for Students

plural naiads or naiades \ˈnā-ə-ˌdēz\
:a nymph believed in ancient times to be living in lakes, rivers, and springs

Learn More about naiad

  1. See words that rhyme with naiad Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for naiad Spanish Central: Translation of naiad Nglish: Translation of naiad for Spanish speakers

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Examples: naiad in a Sentence