1. mountain nymphs in Greek mythology
Usage: mythology; plural form

Examples

• The oreides were said to inhabit the rocky peaks of ancient Greece.
• In classical literature, oreides often appeared as guardians of mountain caves.
• The poet described the oreides dancing among the alpine flowers.
• Ancient Greeks believed oreides could control avalanches and rockslides.
• The shepherd claimed to have seen oreides near the summit at dawn.