Search Dictionary
Definition of nymphoides
nymphoides
/nɪmˈfɔɪdiːz/
nym · phoi · des
Plural:nymphoides
nymphoides Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A genus of aquatic flowering plants in the family Menyanthaceae, found in freshwater habitats worldwide and commonly known as floating hearts due to their lily-like leaves and delicate, fringed petals.
Example
"The shallow edges of the pond were densely populated by nymphoides, displaying their bright yellow, fringed blossoms against the water's surface."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for nymphoidesWord Nuance & Usage
Although it closely resembles the true water lilies of the genus Nymphaea, Nymphoides is actually part of a completely different botanical family (Menyanthaceae).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in botanical Latin, deriving from the water lily genus name 'Nymphaea' combined with the Greek suffix '-oides', meaning 'resembling'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nymphoides. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nymphoides