1. plural of odonate; insects of the order Odonata, including dragonflies and damselflies, characterized by long bodies, large compound eyes, and two pairs of wings.
Usage: technical/scientific; zoology

Examples

• Odonates are among the most ancient flying insects, with fossils dating back over 300 million years.
• The biologist studied odonates in the wetland to assess the health of the ecosystem.
• Odonates are skilled hunters that catch mosquitoes and other small insects in mid-air.
• Many odonates have iridescent wings that shimmer in the sunlight.
• The pond attracted numerous odonates during the summer months.