water-nymph
Noun: - Mythological being: A "water-nymph" is a female spirit or deity associated with bodies of water, such as rivers, springs, lakes, or the sea, in classical mythology (especially Greek and Roman). She is typically depicted as a beautiful young woman and is often considered a guardian or personification of a specific water source.
- (A female spirit inhabiting a specific water source.)
- (A mythological figure associated with a river.)
- (A sea or lake spirit with supernatural powers over water.)
"to be like a water-nymph": to be graceful, elusive, or intimately connected with water.
- She swam with the effortless grace of a water-nymph. (She moved through water with the beauty and fluidity of a mythical spirit.)
"water-nymph" in literature: Used metaphorically to describe a person who is enchanting, mysterious, or associated with aquatic environments.
- The character in the novel was described as a water-nymph, haunting the lake with her melancholic songs. (A poetic device to evoke a supernatural, watery presence.)
Naiad (n): a specific type of water-nymph that presides over fresh water, such as springs, rivers, and wells.
- The naiad was said to grant wishes to those who offered her gifts. (A water-nymph of a freshwater source.)
Nereid (n): a sea-nymph, one of the fifty daughters of Nereus in Greek mythology, often associated with the Mediterranean Sea.
- The Nereids were gentle water-nymphs who helped sailors in distress. (A water-nymph of the sea.)
Oceanid (n): a water-nymph who is a daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, representing oceans and large bodies of water.
- The Oceanids were the water-nymphs of the vast ocean. (A water-nymph of the deep sea.)
Nymph: a general term for a female nature spirit, often associated with water, forests, or mountains.
- The nymph of the stream was a water-nymph in every sense. (A water-nymph is a specific type of nymph.)
Undine: a female water spirit in European folklore, often similar to a water-nymph but sometimes depicted as having no soul.
- The undine was a water-nymph who could gain a soul by marrying a mortal. (A folkloric equivalent.)
"to be a water-nymph": used figuratively to describe someone who is exceptionally graceful in water or strongly drawn to aquatic environments.
- She is a water-nymph in the pool, gliding effortlessly. (She swims with supernatural ease.)
"water-nymph's kiss": a poetic phrase for the gentle touch of water or a cool breeze from a body of water.
- The breeze felt like a water-nymph's kiss on my skin. (A metaphorical expression for a refreshing, watery sensation.)