Naiad | n. [ L. naias, -adis, naïs, -idis, a water nymph, Gr nai:a`s, nai:`s, fr. na`ein to flow: cf. F. naïade. Cf. Naid. ] 1. (Myth.) A water nymph; one of the lower female divinities, fabled to preside over some body of fresh water, as a lake, river, brook, or fountain. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Zool.) Any species of a tribe (Naiades) of freshwater bivalves, including Unio, Anodonta, and numerous allied genera; a river mussel. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Zool) One of a group of butterflies. See Nymph. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Bot.) Any plant of the order Naiadaceae, such as eelgrass, pondweed, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] |