The word "ariel" can have two different meanings.
1. Ariel can refer to a character in Disney's animated movie "The Little Mermaid." Ariel is a young and curious mermaid princess who dreams of exploring the human world.
2. Ariel can also refer to a spirit or sprite in Shakespeare's play "The Tempest." Ariel is a magical being who can change shape and help the main character, Prospero, with his spells and tasks.