naiad

noun

na·iad ˈnā-əd

ˈnī-,

-ˌad

plural naiads or naiades ˈnā-ə-ˌdēz

ˈnī-

: any of the nymphs in classical mythology living in and giving life to lakes, rivers, springs, and fountains

: an aquatic insect nymph (as of a mayfly, dragonfly, damselfly, or stone fly)

: any of a genus (Najas of the family Najadaceae) of submerged aquatic plants

Example Sentences

in Greek mythology, naiads supposedly drowned the young men with whom they became enamored students in science class learning how to distinguish a dragonfly naiad from an earthworm

Recent Examples on the Web The lovely Arcadia region, lush with cypress, poplar, and olive groves, bears traces of the virgin wilderness where nymphs, naiads, and the horned god Pan once frolicked.

Thomas Linkel, National Geographic, 18 July 2019

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.