n. pl. nai·a·des (-ə-dēz′) or nai·ads 1. Greek Mythology One of the nymphs who lived in and presided over brooks, springs, and fountains. 2. The aquatic nymph of certain insects, such as a mayfly, damselfly, or dragonfly. 3. Any of various aquatic plants of the genus Najas. [Middle English, from Latin nāias, nāiad-, from Greek, probably from nān, to flow; see (s)nāu- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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