odonate
1
9.9
A large water insect that hunts, like a dragonfly or damselfly
- noun
- /ˈoʊdəˌneɪt/
- Specialized
:
odonato
- To correctly identify an odonate, observe its wings and body shape, which can differentiate a dragonfly from a damselfly.
Examples
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An odonate is often found near water.
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Many odonates are indicators of good water quality in their habitats.
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Researchers observed a rare odonate patrolling the pond at dusk.
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The wetland is home to several species of odonate, including both dragonflies and damselflies.
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The odonate perched gracefully on a leaf.
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An odonate gracefully darted across the pond, showcasing its vibrant colors in the sunlight.
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Many children enjoy watching odonates as they hunt for smaller insects near the water's edge.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Odonate comes from the Greek root odous, which means 'tooth'. Dragonflies and damselflies have strong biting jaws, so the name points to their 'tooth'-like jaws used to catch prey.