1. Plural of imago; the final, adult stage of an insect after metamorphosis.
Usage: technical/scientific; entomology
2. In Jungian psychology, an idealized mental image of another person, typically a parent or authority figure.
Usage: psychology; formal

Examples

• The butterfly imagoes emerged from their chrysalises in spring.
• Entomologists studied the imagoes of several beetle species.
• The dragonfly imagoes displayed brilliant colors as they flew over the pond.
• In Jungian theory, the imago of one's father can influence personality development.
• The imagoes of moths are often attracted to artificial light sources.