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.
Derivatives:
nymphal adj. nymphean adj. nymphlike adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF nimphe f. L nympha f. Gk numphe