What is nymph meaning in science?
The nymph is the first stage in the life of a wetland insect. It is the larva of water beetles and mayflies. It resembles a small, wormlike, caterpillar. It has two sets of legs: one pair for crawling on the water's surface and another pair for swimming underwater. Its body is covered with a thin layer of wax and will shed it as it matures. The nymph is an important food source for fish and frogs.
What does nymph mean in science?
The word nymph has two different meanings in science. The first definition of nymph refers to a small sprite or water goddess, often depicted as a beautiful maiden bathing in a stream or lake. This is where the word itself comes from, although it isn’t used very often any more. The second meaning refers to a stage of insect development between the larva and adult stage.
What is the meaning of nymph in English?
The word nymph is no longer used in general English. It refers to a water nymph, a minor goddess of fresh water in classical mythology. The word is also used in biology to describe a stage in the life cycle of some insects. Still, the word is an interesting one.
What is the meaning of nymph in science explanation?
The word nymph is derived from the Greek word νύμφα (νύμπα), which means “a water-nymph”. Nymphs are nature deities who are portrayed as beautiful young women, usually half human and half-animal. In Greek mythology, nymphs are associated with springs, rivers, lakes, forests and mountains. They are the female counterparts of dryads, tree nymphs who live in trees.
What is the meaning of nymph in biology?
An nymph is an insect that undergoes a complete metamorphosis. Its life-cycle includes four distinct life stages: eggs, larvae, pupa, and adult. Its larva, or caterpillar, is a small crawling wormlike creature that feeds on plants and can grow to about 6 inches long. Its pupa, or chrysalis, is a hardened shell that looks like a cocoon. The adult nymph looks similar to the larva, but it is wingless.