NYMPH

nymph

(noun) a larva of an insect with incomplete metamorphosis (as the dragonfly or mayfly)

nymph

(noun) (classical mythology) a minor nature goddess usually depicted as a beautiful maiden; “the ancient Greeks believed that nymphs inhabited forests and bodies of water”

nymph, houri

(noun) a voluptuously beautiful young woman

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

nymph (plural nymphs or nymphæ)

(Greek, Roman) Any female nature spirit associated with water, forests, grotto, wind, etc.

A young girl, especially one who is attractive, beautiful or graceful.

Synonyms: lolita, nymphet, nymphette

(entomology) The larva of certain insects.

Synonyms: instar, naiad

(entomology) Any of various butterflies of the family Nymphalidae.

Source: Wiktionary

Nymph, n. Etym: [L. nympha nymph, bride, young woman, Gr. nymphe. Cf. Nuptial.]

1. (Class. Myth.)

Definition: A goddess of the mountains, forests, meadows, or waters. Where were ye, nymphs, when the remorseless deep Closed o'er the head of your loved Lycidas Milton.

2. Hence: A lovely young girl; a maiden; a damsel. Nymph, in thy orisons Be all my sins remembered. Shak.

3. (Zoöl.)

Definition: The pupa of an insect; a chrysalis.

4. (Zoöl.)

Definition: Any one of a subfamily (Najades) of butterflies including the purples, the fritillaries, the peacock butterfly, etc.; -- called also naiad.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition