odonate

noun

odo·​nate ˈō-də-ˌnāt How to pronounce odonate (audio) ō-ˈdä-(ˌ)nāt How to pronounce odonate (audio)
: any of an order (Odonata) of predaceous insects comprising the dragonflies and damselflies
odonate adjective

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Greek odous, odōn tooth

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of odonate was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near odonate

Odonata

odonate

odonatologist

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Cite this Entry

“Odonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odonate. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on odonate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about odonate

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