imago

noun

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ima·go | \ i-ˈmä-(ˌ)gō

, -ˈmā-

plural imagoes or imagines\ i-ˈmā-gə-ˌnēz

, -ˈmä- ; -ˈmā-jə- , -ˈma- \

Definition of imago

1 : an insect in its final, adult, sexually mature, and typically winged state

2 : an idealized mental image of another person or the self

Examples of imago in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other species, such as grasshoppers and dragonflies, experience incomplete, or simple, metamorphosis, which involves three life stages—egg, larva or nymph, and adult or imago. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "How a caterpillar becomes a butterfly: Metamorphosis, explained," 11 Aug. 2020 Newbell, who is Black, had spoken about imago Dei -- the idea that all humans, of all races, are made in the image and likeness of God. — Daniel Burke, CNN, "Why Black Christians are bracing for a 'whitelash'," 10 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imago.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for imago

borrowed from New Latin imāgō, going back to Latin imāgin-, imāgō "representation, semblance, image entry 1"

Note: As a descriptive term for insects apparently introduced by linnaeus in Systema naturae, 12th edition, vol. 1, part 2 (Stockholm, 1767), p. 535. Linnaeus's conception was that the imago was the true representation of the creature, the earlier stages of larva (Latin larva, taken to mean "ghost") and pupa (Latin pūpa "doll") being in a sense illusory.

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