I
In Greek mythology , any of a large class of minor female divinities.
Nymphs were usually associated with features of the natural world, such as trees and water. Though not immortal, they were extremely long-lived, and they tended to be well disposed toward humans. They were grouped according to the sphere of nature with which they were connected.
II
In entomology, the sexually immature form of insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis (e.g.,
The nymph is similar to the adult but differs in body proportions and (in winged species) has only wing buds, which develop into wings after the first few molts (see molting ). During each successive growing stage (instar), the nymph begins to resemble the adult more closely. The nymphs of aquatic species (also called naiads), such as {{link=dragonfly">dragonflies , have gills and other modifications for an aquatic existence. At maturity, they float to the surface or crawl out of the water, undergo a final molt, and emerge as winged adults.