nimph

Nymph can refer to several things. In Greek mythology, nymphs are female nature deities who are often depicted as beautiful young women. They are associated with specific natural locations such as forests, mountains, rivers, and springs. Different types of nymphs exist, including dryads (tree nymphs), oreads (mountain nymphs), and naiads (water nymphs). These beings are often depicted as benevolent, protecting their domains and occasionally interacting with mortals or gods.

In biology, the term nymph is used to describe an immature form of certain insects, particularly those that undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Unlike larvae, nymphs resemble the adult form of the insect but are smaller and lack fully developed wings and reproductive organs. As they grow, nymphs shed their exoskeleton multiple times in a process called molting, gradually developing towards their adult stage. Examples of insects that have nymphal stages include grasshoppers, dragonflies, and true bugs.

The word "nymph" can also be used more broadly to refer to a young woman or girl, often implying youth and innocence. This usage is less common in formal contexts but appears in literature and everyday language. The shared theme across these different meanings is often one of youth, nature, or a transformative stage.