naiad
noun
na·iad ˈnā-əd 
ˈnī-,
-ˌad plural naiads or naiades ˈnā-ə-ˌdēz
ˈnī-
1
: any of the nymphs in classical mythology living in and giving life to lakes, rivers, springs, and fountains
2
: an aquatic insect nymph (as of a mayfly, dragonfly, damselfly, or stone fly)
3
: any of a genus (Najas of the family Najadaceae) of submerged aquatic plants
Synonyms
- dryad
- hamadryad
- nymph
- oread
- wood nymph
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
in Greek mythology, naiads supposedly drowned the young men with whom they became enamored students in science class learning how to distinguish a dragonfly naiad from an earthworm
Recent Examples on the Web The lovely Arcadia region, lush with cypress, poplar, and olive groves, bears traces of the virgin wilderness where nymphs, naiads, and the horned god Pan once frolicked. 
Thomas Linkel, National Geographic, 18 July 2019
Thomas Linkel, National Geographic, 18 July 2019 Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French naïade, from Latin naiad-, naias, from Greek, from nan to flow — more at nourish
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
naiad
noun
na·iad ˈnā-əd
plural naiads or naiades
ˈnā-ə-ˌdēz
: a nymph believed in ancient times to be living in lakes, rivers, and springs
naiad
noun
1
as in nymph
a mythical goddess represented as a young girl and said to live outdoors in Greek mythology, naiads supposedly drowned the young men with whom they became enamored Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- nymph
- mermaid
- dryad
- hamadryad
- oread
- wood nymph
- siren
- Oceanid
- water nymph
- Nereid
- sea-maiden
- sea-maid
2
as in larva
a young wingless often wormlike form (as a grub or caterpillar) that hatches from the egg of many insects students in science class learning how to distinguish a dragonfly naiad from an earthworm Synonyms & Similar Words
- larva
- nymph
- pupa