Nymphean
/nɪmˈfiːən/noun
Relating to a nymph or to something beautifully delicate, graceful, or ethereal.
Did you know?Nymphean descends from Greek nýmphē, a word for a young woman and also a divine female spirit of nature, which helped give English a whole aura of supernatural beauty.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
nýmphē
“A bride or young woman; also a nature goddess or female spirit”
Late Latin
Latin
nympha
“A nymph, especially a mythic female spirit of springs, trees, or mountains”
Middle English
English
nymphe
“A nymph; a spirit-like or beautiful maiden”
16th Century
English
nymphean
“Pertaining to a nymph; having the beauty or grace associated with nymphs”
Modern English
English
nymphean
“Relating to a nymph or characterized by delicate, graceful beauty”
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