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naiad

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

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, nymph, oread, wood nymph;

Related Words

mermaid, Nereid, Oceanid, sea-maid (or sea-maiden), siren, water nymph;

NAIAD Defined for Kids

naiad

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 Nglish: Translation of naiad for Spanish speakers

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