n. 1 any of various mythological semi-divine spirits regarded as maidens and associated with aspects of nature, esp. rivers and woods. 2 poet. a beautiful young woman. 3 a an immature form of some insects. b a young dragonfly or damselfly. nymphal adj. nymphean adj. nymphlike adj.
[ ME f. OF nimphe f. L nympha f. Gk numphe ]