nympha
/ˈnɪmfə/noun
1 Zoology = nymph.
- Now used chiefly of ticks and mites..
2 Anatomy. A labium minus. Now rare.
3 Conchology. Either of a pair of prominences on either side of the hinge of certain bivalve shells to which the ends of the external ligament are attached. Usually in plural.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From classical Latin nympha semi-divine spirit, young woman, maiden, larva of an insect, in post-classical Latin also labia minora from ancient Greek νύμϕη young bride, maiden, semi-divine spirit, larva of an insect, a type of mollusc, in Hellenistic Greek also clitoris, (in poetic use) water; probably cognate with classical Latin nūbere to marry.