sea nymph
Definition
Noun 1. (Greek Mythology) A female nature spirit of the sea: A sea nymph is a type of water nymph, specifically one who inhabits the ocean. In classical mythology, they are often depicted as beautiful, immortal maidens who personify the sea's aspects.
Usage
The term "sea nymph" is used almost exclusively in the context of classical (Greek and Roman) mythology to describe these divine female beings associated with the sea. * The poet described the hero being lured by the enchanting song of a sea nymph. * In the painting, sea nymphs are seen riding dolphins through the waves.
Advanced Usage
- Collective Reference: Sea nymphs are often referred to collectively. Specific groups include the Nereids (daughters of Nereus, 50 in number) and the Oceanids (daughters of Oceanus, numbering in the thousands).
- Thetis, a Nereid, was the most famous of the sea nymphs.
Variants and Related Words
- Nereid: (Noun) A sea nymph, specifically one of the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris.
- Oceanid: (Noun) A sea nymph, specifically one of the daughters of Oceanus and Tethys.
- Naiad: (Noun) A freshwater nymph. (Related as another type of water nymph, but distinct from a nymph).
- Water nymph: (Noun) The general category for nymphs associated with any body of water.
Synonyms
- Ocean nymph
- Nereid (specific type)
- Oceanid (specific type)
Idioms
- None directly associated. The term "sea nymph" itself functions as a mythological descriptor and is not commonly used in modern idiomatic expressions.
Noun
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(Greek mythology) a water nymph who was the daughter of Oceanus or Nereus
