nymph

[nimf] /nɪmf/
noun
1.
one of a numerous class of lesser deities of mythology, conceived of as beautiful maidens inhabiting the sea, rivers, woods, trees, mountains, meadows, etc., and frequently mentioned as attending a superior deity.
2.
a beautiful or graceful young woman.
3.
a maiden.
4.
the young of an insect that undergoes incomplete metamorphosis.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English nimphe < Latin nympha < Greek nýmphē bride, nymph
Related forms
nymphal, nymphean
[nim-fee-uh n] /ˈnɪm fi ən/ (Show IPA), adjective
unnymphal, adjective
unnymphean, adjective
Synonyms
1. naiad, nereid, oread, dryad, hamadryad. See sylph.
Examples from the web for nymph
  • Once attached, it actively feeds through several weeks of winter, molting into a nymph and then an adult.
  • The spirochetes are commonly transmitted to humans by deer ticks in the nymph stage.
  • It is interesting to watch a dragonfly nymph catch its dinner of small insects and tadpoles.
  • The damselfly nymph is one of many aquatic insects found in marsh waters.
British Dictionary definitions for nymph

nymph

/nɪmf/
noun
1.
(myth) a spirit of nature envisaged as a beautiful maiden
2.
(mainly poetic) a beautiful young woman
3.
the immature form of some insects, such as the dragonfly and mayfly, and certain arthropods. Nymphs resemble the adult, apart from having underdeveloped reproductive organs and (in the case of insects) wings, and develop into the adult without a pupal stage
Derived Forms
nymphal, nymphean (ˈnɪmfɪən) adjective
nymphlike, adjective
Word Origin
C14: via Old French from Latin, from Greek numphē nymph; related to Latin nūbere to marry
Word Origin and History for nymph
n.

late 14c., "class of semi-divine female beings," from Old French nimphe (13c.), from Latin nympha "nymph, demi-goddess; bride, mistress, young woman," from Greek nymphe "bride, young wife," later "beautiful young woman," then "semi-divine being in the form of a beautiful maiden;" related to Latin nubere "to marry, wed" (see nuptial). Sub-groups include dryads, hamadryads, naiads, nereids, and oreads. Sense in English of "young woman, girl" is attested from 1580s. Meaning "insect stage between larva and adult" is recorded from 1570s. Related: Nymphal; nymphean.

nymph in Science
nymph
(nĭmf)
The immature form of those insects that do not pass through a pupal stage. Nymphs usually resemble the adults, but are smaller, lack fully developed wings, and are sexually immature. Compare imago, larva, pupa.