: 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

Cite this Entry

“Odonate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odonate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on odonate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!