1. (Greek mythology) any nymph of the water
   "The painting depicted water nymphs frolicking in a forest pool"
    
2. A fairy that inhabits water
   "Naiads are water nymphs in Greek mythology";
   - water sprite, water spirit
    
3. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers; of fresh or brackish water
   "The clear pond water revealed a forest of graceful water nymphs swaying in the current";
   - naiad
    
4. A water lily having large leaves and showy fragrant flowers that float on the water; of temperate and tropical regions
   "Water nymphs dotted the lake with their beautiful white blooms";
   - fragrant water lily, pond lily, Nymphaea odorata

Derived forms: water nymphs

Type of: aquatic plant, faerie, faery, fairy, fay [archaic], hydrophyte, hydrophytic plant, nymph, sprite, water lily, water plant

Part of: genus Naias, genus Najas, genus Nymphaea, Naias, Najas, Nymphaea

Encyclopedia: Water nymph