1. in Greek and Roman mythology, a water nymph who lives in and presides over fountains, wells, springs, streams, and other bodies of fresh water
Usage: mythology
2. the aquatic larval stage of certain insects such as dragonflies, damselflies, and mayflies
Usage: biology; entomology

Examples

• The ancient Greeks believed that naiads protected the purity of freshwater sources.
• In the myth, the naiad emerged from the spring to warn travelers of danger.
• The poet described a beautiful naiad dancing in the moonlit stream.
• Dragonfly naiads live underwater for several years before emerging as adults.
• The biologist collected naiad specimens from the pond to study their development.
• Unlike adult dragonflies, naiads breathe through gills and cannot fly.