Nymph
/nɪmf/noun
A mythological spirit of nature depicted as a beautiful maiden.
Did you know?In ancient mythology, nymphs were often associated with water, forests, and mountains, embodying the life force of nature and sometimes believed to possess magical powers.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*n̥eḱ-
“to swim or flow, associated with moving water.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
νύμφη (nýmphē)
“a young woman or bride, often tied to nature and water.”
Latin
Latin
nympha
“a goddess of nature or a water spirit.”
Old French
Old French
ninf
“a female spirit or fairy.”
Middle English
Middle English
nimph
“a nature spirit, often depicted as a beautiful girl.”
Modern English
English
nymph
“a spirit in nature, especially associated with water.”
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