A nymph is a minor female nature deity in ancient Greek folklore. Nymphs are generally regarded as personifications of nature and are typically tied to a specific place or landform. They are usually depicted as maidens and were immortal like other goddesses, except for the Hamadryads, whose lives were bound to a specific tree. Nymphs were associated with various aspects of nature, such as the Oceanids with the sea, the Nereids with saltwater and freshwater, the Naiads with springs, rivers, and lakes, and the Dryads or Hamadryads with forests and trees.
In addition to its mythological meaning, "nymph" can also refer to an immature form of an insect that does not undergo complete metamorphosis. For example, a grasshopper, true bug, or mayfly larva with incomplete metamorphosis is referred to as a nymph.
Furthermore, the term "nymph" can be used to describe an attractive, sexually mature young woman. However, its important to note that the term can have pejorative connotations regarding the sexual behavior of such women, and derived from it is the term "Nymphomania" referring to female hypersexuality.
