Definition

In Greek and Roman mythology, a spirit or nymph that is associated with a tree and lives as long as that tree does.

Example

The hamadryad wept when the tree she protected was cut down.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a hamadryad?

Yeah, it's a spirit of a tree, right?

Exactly! It's fascinating how they live as long as the trees do.

I love that concept; it really shows the connection between nature and mythology.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hamadryad → It is formed from "hamadryas" (from Greek "hamadryas", meaning a tree nymph) and "-ad" (a suffix used in English to denote a type of being or creature). The word "hamadryad" refers to a tree nymph that is intimately connected to a specific tree, living and dying with it.

Memory Tip

Imagine a nymph that is a spirit of a tree, as 'hamadryas' means a tree nymph, and the '-ad' indicates a being. This helps you remember that a hamadryad is a creature tied to a tree.

Visually Confused Words