— nymphal, nymphean /nim"fee euhn/ , adj.
/nimf/ , n.
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.
[ 1350-1400; ME nimphe nympha nýmphe bride, nymph ]
Syn. 1. naiad, nereid, oread, dryad, hamadryad. See sylph .